How Much Potential Energy Is Lost to Friction on an Incline?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the kinetic energy and the percentage of potential energy lost to friction for a mass of 0.40 kg sliding down an incline. The maximum velocity before reaching the bottom is 1.00 m/s, resulting in a kinetic energy of 0.2 Joules, calculated using the formula W=KE=1/2mv². The potential energy at the top of the incline, given a height of 7 cm, is determined to be approximately 0.2744 Joules. The percentage of potential energy lost to friction is calculated by comparing the potential energy to the kinetic energy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic energy calculations using W=KE=1/2mv²
  • Knowledge of potential energy calculations based on height and mass
  • Familiarity with the concepts of energy conservation and friction
  • Basic skills in unit conversion (e.g., converting cm to m)
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  • Learn how to calculate potential energy using PE=mgh
  • Research the effects of friction on energy conversion in mechanical systems
  • Study the principles of energy conservation in physics
  • Explore real-world applications of kinetic and potential energy in engineering
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, energy conservation, and friction in inclined planes.

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Homework Statement



A mass 0.40 kg is released and slides down the incline. The maximum velocity ( taken the instant before the mass reaches the bottom of the incline ) is 1.00 m/s. What is the kinetic energy at that time? What percentage of the potential energy of the system is not converted into kinetic energy due to friction? (converted into heat instead)

I don't quite understand how to find out the percent of potential energy lost..thanks for any help!

Homework Equations



I solved for the kinetic energy correctly by using

W=KE=1/2mv^2


The Attempt at a Solution



=1/2(.4)(1)^2
=.2 Joules

i'm not sure about how to solve for the percent of potential energy lost..thanks
 
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You're going to need to know the height to figure the PE.
 
The height is 7 cm (.007 m)
 
Potential Energy!

Homework Statement



A mass 0.40 kg is released and slides down the incline. The maximum velocity ( taken the instant before the mass reaches the bottom of the incline ) is 1.00 m/s. What is the kinetic energy at that time? What percentage of the potential energy of the system is not converted into kinetic energy due to friction? (converted into heat instead)

The height of the incline is 7 cm..and the hypotenuse is 40 cm

I don't quite understand how to find out the percent of potential energy lost..thanks for any help!

Homework Equations



I solved for the kinetic energy correctly by using

W=KE=1/2mv^2


The Attempt at a Solution



=1/2(.4)(1)^2
=.2 Joules

i'm not sure about how to solve for the percent of potential energy lost..thanks!
 
OK. So what is the potential energy available to go to kinetic?

How much does it need to go 1 m/s? Well you found that.

So how much potential isn't accounted for in going to kinetic?
 


What is the potential energy at the top of the inclined plane?
 


Is it .2744 Joules?
 

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