Work Required to Move a Piano Onto a Truck

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the work required to move a piano with a mass of 1806.0 kg onto a truck bed that is 1.35 m high using a frictionless ramp. The relevant equations include potential energy (U = mgh) and kinetic energy (K = (1/2)mv²). It is clarified that the velocity of the piano is not necessary for this calculation, as the problem assumes the piano is already moving at a constant velocity up the ramp. The primary concern is to determine the potential energy change as the piano is elevated.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of potential energy (U = mgh)
  • Basic knowledge of kinetic energy (K = (1/2)mv²)
  • Familiarity with the concept of work in physics
  • Ability to perform unit conversions (e.g., from Joules to kilo-Joules)
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the potential energy change for the piano using U = mgh
  • Explore the concept of work-energy principle in physics
  • Learn about frictionless surfaces and their implications in physics problems
  • Investigate real-world applications of ramps in moving heavy objects
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, movers, logistics professionals, and anyone interested in the mechanics of moving heavy objects efficiently.

Aliyah Case
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Homework Statement


Movers must push a piano onto a truck, the bed of which is a height 1.35 m above the ground. To do this they will use a frictionless ramp. If the piano has a mass of 1806.0 kg and the movers push it up the slope at a constant velocity, how much work do they need to do on it to move it into the bed? Please provide your answer in kilo-Joules (kJ), as the amount of work should be quite large

Homework Equations


I know it involves kinetic and potential energy
K = (1/2)mv2
U = mgh

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not sure how to calculate the velocity
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Aliyah Case said:
I'm not sure how to calculate the velocity
You do not need to worry about the velocity. The question is a little misleading: they mean how much more energy is needed assuming it starts up the ramp already at that velocity.
 

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