Is c) the correct answer for this Mechanical Energy problem?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a mechanical energy problem involving an object moving up a ramp, with considerations of kinetic and potential energy in the presence of friction and gravity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to justify their answer based on the relationship between motion, friction, and energy changes. Some participants question the direction of the net force and its implications on acceleration and energy changes, while others note the uncertainty regarding the forces acting on the object.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the forces involved and their effects on kinetic and potential energy. There is no explicit consensus, but various perspectives on the problem are being shared.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the lack of information regarding the magnitudes and directions of the forces acting on the object, which is crucial for determining the correct answer.

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[SOLVED] Mechanical Energy problem

Homework Statement


http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/7201/dynamics3oi8.jpg


Homework Equations


[tex]E_{m}=E_k + E_p[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution


I think that the answer to the problem is c), because as the object is moving up, it is slowing down because it has to work against friction and gravity. Also, as the object moves up, it gains height, and therefore gains potential energy. Am I right?
 
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Can anyone help?
 
If there's a net force up the ramp then it has to be accelerating, and therefore KE is increasing.
 
we don't know where the net force is pointing though, because we don't know the magnitude of all the forces.

the answer depends on whether the forces cause the ball to move up or down the ramp. either way the kinetic energy will be increasing since it was motionless a moment before.

the mechanical energy will be increasing/decreasing depending which way the ball moves.
 
Thanks dylan.
 

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