How is the Work Done by Friction Calculated on a Box?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the work done by friction on a 20 kg box being pushed by a constant external force of 160 N at an angle of 30 degrees to the horizontal. The box moves a distance of 8.0 m over a time interval of 4.0 s, with a change in speed from 0.5 m/s to 2.6 m/s.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of different equations for work, including W=mgd and W=Pd, while questioning the appropriateness of these methods for finding the work done by friction.
  • Some participants explore the work-energy theorem, considering the kinetic energy changes to determine total work done.
  • Questions arise regarding how to approach the problem without a given friction coefficient.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing various approaches and questioning assumptions. Some have suggested using the work-energy theorem, while others are clarifying the distinction between total work and work done by friction. There is no explicit consensus yet on the correct method to find the work done by friction.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of a friction coefficient, which may impact the calculations. There is also a focus on the angle of the applied force and its implications for the problem setup.

snoopyrawr
Messages
3
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


i've been stuck on this problem for about 45mins.

A constant external force P = 160 N is applied to a 20 kg box,which is on a rough horizontal surface. The force pushes the box a distance of 8.0 m, in a time interval of 4.0 s, and the speed changes from v1 = 0.5 m/s to v2 = 2.6 m/s. Find the work done by friction. The work done by friction is closed to:
There is a force applied at 30degree to the horizontal of the box.

the answer is -1043 J but idk how to get that answer.

Homework Equations


Ff = µFn
W=Fd
W=mgd

The Attempt at a Solution


W=mgd
W=20kg*9.8*cos(30)*8=1357.9J
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
welcome to pf!

hi snoopyrawr! welcome to pf! :smile:
snoopyrawr said:
A constant external force P = 160 N is applied to a 20 kg box,which is on a rough horizontal surface. The force pushes the box a distance of 8.0 m, in a time interval of 4.0 s, and the speed changes from v1 = 0.5 m/s to v2 = 2.6 m/s. Find the work done by friction.

the answer is -1043 J but idk how to get that answer.

W=mgd
W=20kg*9.8*cos(30)*8=1357.9J

(so the force is applied at 30° to the horizontal?)

W = mgd is wrong

W = Pd is right

(and anyway, that's the work done by the force P … the question asks for the work done by the friction :wink:)

try again :smile:
 
yes there is a horizontal force of 30degrees applied on the box and how would you set up this problem if the friction coefficient is not given?
 
use the work energy theorem
 
so it would be like this:
W=KEf-KEi (KEf= kinetic final, KEi= kinetic initial)
W=(1/2(20kg)(2.6m/s)^2)-(1/2(20kg)(0.5m/s)^2)
W=65.1 J

is there another step i have to do?
 
(just got up :zzz:)
snoopyrawr said:
so it would be like this:
W=KEf-KEi (KEf= kinetic final, KEi= kinetic initial)
W=(1/2(20kg)(2.6m/s)^2)-(1/2(20kg)(0.5m/s)^2)
W=65.1 J

yup! :smile:
is there another step i have to do?

that's the total work done …

so what's the work done by friction? :wink:
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
8K
Replies
29
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
11K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 58 ·
2
Replies
58
Views
6K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
25
Views
3K