How much force and energy for moving a frictionless object

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the force and energy required to move a 10 kg object 2 meters on a frictionless surface in 0.5 seconds. The initial calculations indicate that the final velocity is 4 m/s, leading to an acceleration of 8 m/s², resulting in a force of 80 Newtons. However, participants point out that the calculation for final velocity is incorrect as it represents average speed rather than final speed. The need for clarity on whether a constant force is assumed and the complete wording of the problem is emphasized, as it affects the interpretation of the calculations. The conversation highlights the importance of accurately applying physics equations to determine motion parameters.
5P@N
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Homework Statement


I have an object of 10 kg
It is to be displaced 2 meters
Assume a frictionless surface, and no wind resistance
The object begins as stationary, then is moved that distance in the span of .5 seconds.

Homework Equations


Force = mass* acceleration
acceleration = (delta velocity) / time
velocity = (delta position) / time

The Attempt at a Solution


initial velocity is 0
final velocity is: (2 - 0) meters / .5 second = 2 meters / .5 seconds= 4 meters per second
acceleration = (4 m/s - 0 m/s) / .5 seconds = 8 meters / second^2
8(m/s^2) * 10 kg = 80 Newtons

Correct?
 
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5P@N said:

Homework Statement


I have an object of 10 kg
It is to be displaced 2 meters
Assume a frictionless surface, and no wind resistance
The object begins as stationary, then is moved that distance in the span of .5 seconds.

Homework Equations


Force = mass* acceleration
acceleration = (delta velocity) / time
velocity = (delta position) / time

The Attempt at a Solution


initial velocity is 0
final velocity is: (2 - 0) meters / .5 second = 2 meters / .5 seconds= 4 meters per second
acceleration = (4 m/s - 0 m/s) / .5 seconds = 8 meters / second^2
8(m/s^2) * 10 kg = 80 Newtons

Correct?
You have mot stated what you are asked to find. You seem to have assumed a constant force. Is that given?
 
5P@N said:

Homework Statement


I have an object of 10 kg
It is to be displaced 2 meters
Assume a frictionless surface, and no wind resistance
The object begins as stationary, then is moved that distance in the span of .5 seconds.

Homework Equations


Force = mass* acceleration
acceleration = (delta velocity) / time
velocity = (delta position) / time

The Attempt at a Solution


initial velocity is 0
final velocity is: (2 - 0) meters / .5 second = 2 meters / .5 seconds= 4 meters per second
acceleration = (4 m/s - 0 m/s) / .5 seconds = 8 meters / second^2
8(m/s^2) * 10 kg = 80 Newtons

Correct?
Are you told to assume a constant force?
 
You have not provided the whole question. What exactly are you supposed to find? Minimum energy? Least maximum magnitude force?
As berkeman posted, you seem to have assumed a constant force, but even then your calculation is wrong:
5P@N said:
final velocity is: (2 - 0) meters / .5 second = 2 meters / .5 seconds= 4 meters per second
That calculates the average speed, not the final speed. Check your answer: constant acceleration of 8m/s2 for 0.5 seconds from rest would travel how far?
 
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What do you all mean when you say: "constant force"?

What would this constant force do? What are its attributes?

.5^2 = .25
.25 *8 = 2
since the object moved 2 meters, this appears correct. Or what am I missing?
 
5P@N said:
What do you all mean when you say: "constant force"?

What would this constant force do? What are its attributes?

.5^2 = .25
.25 *8 = 2
since the object moved 2 meters, this appears correct. Or what am I missing?
Review the equation relating time, distance, initial speed, and constant acceleration. You are missing something.

Please state the entire question, exactly as presented to you.
 
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