How to Calculate Speed at Different Points Using Conservation of Energy?

Click For Summary
To calculate the speed of a block at different points using conservation of energy, one must consider both kinetic and potential energy. The initial speed of the block at Point A is 7 m/s, and its mass is 8 kg. The problem requires determining the speed at Points B and C while neglecting friction. The approach involves using gravitational potential energy to assess changes in speed as the block moves. The relevant equations for kinetic and potential energy will guide the calculations.
Peterson
Messages
42
Reaction score
0
INTRODUCTION:
This is a problem from my Introduction to Physical Science class using "Conceptual Physics" 10th Ed.by Paul G. Hewitt

EXACT PROBLEM:
"The block in the figure at the right has a mass of 8kg and an initial speed of 7 m/s at Point A. Neglect frictional forces."

PROBLEMS FACED:
a) What will be its speed when it reaches Point B?
b) What will be its speed when it reaches Point C?

MY THOUGHTS:
Should I be looking for kinetic energy? What am I doing here?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
This is the diagram:

physics-1.jpg
 
Kinetic and Potential energy. Looks like an application of work energy/
 
I would think that speed is in this case equal to the initial plus any provided by external forces. In this case, the only other force is gravity. So as you suggest use th potential energy from gravity to add to the initial velocity. Whats that eqn?
 
Thread 'Correct statement about size of wire to produce larger extension'

Thread 'Correct statement about size of wire to produce larger extension'

The answer is (B) but I don't really understand why. Based on formula of Young Modulus: $$x=\frac{FL}{AE}$$ The second wire made of the same material so it means they have same Young Modulus. Larger extension means larger value of ##x## so to get larger value of ##x## we can increase ##F## and ##L## and decrease ##A## I am not sure whether there is change in ##F## for first and second wire so I will just assume ##F## does not change. It leaves (B) and (C) as possible options so why is (C)...
View full post »

Similar threads

Conservation of Momentum Problem - Mechanical and Kinetic Energies
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Conservation of Mechanical Energy - Which Equation To Use?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
Conservation of Energy with Gravitational Potential Energy
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Car-Car System: Energy Conservation?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Solving Orbital Speed with Energy & Angular Momentum Conservation
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Is potential energy defined only for internal conservative forces?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Spring Problem Involving Variables and Constants Only
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Question about the conservation of mechanical energy
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Problem with when to use Force and Energy. What compresses spring/
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
What is considered the "System" here? (conservation of energy problem)
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K