Calculating Kinetic Energy of a Sliding Wheelbarrow on an Inclined Ramp

In summary, the conversation discusses the scenario of Preston pushing a 500 N wheelbarrow up a 50 m ramp inclined at 20° with the horizontal. After leaving it at the top, Tamara accidentally bumps the wheelbarrow causing it to slide back down the ramp. The question being asked is what the wheelbarrow's kinetic energy is at the bottom of the ramp after experiencing an 80 N frictional force over the 50 m. Two possible approaches to solving this problem are using Newton's three laws of motion to find the acceleration and speed of the wheelbarrow at the end of the ramp, or finding the potential energy and loss of energy due to friction.
  • #1
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Preston pushes a wheelbarrow weighing 500 N to the top of a 50 m ramp, inclined 20° with the horizontal, and leaves it. Tamara accidentally bumps the wheelbarrow. It slides back down the ramp, during which an 80 N frictional force acts on it over the 50 m. What is the wheelbarrow's kinetic energy at the bottom of the ramp? (g = 9.8 m/s2)

* 4550 J
* 6550 J
* 8150 J
* 13100 J


I am really confused with this one. I need help. Please get back to me a.s.a.p. with some explanations or anything that will be helpful. I don't even know where to start, and I need this done by tomorrow night. Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Two approaches:
1) solve using Newton three laws of motions (find acceleration .. and speed at the end of 50 m)
2) find potential energy and loss of energy due to friction ...
 
  • #3
Are you saying I need to use both of those approaches, or choose one? I'm a little confused.
 

1. What is kinetic energy at the bottom?

Kinetic energy at the bottom refers to the amount of energy possessed by an object when it is at its lowest point or closest to the ground. It is a type of energy that is created by the movement of an object and is dependent on its mass and velocity.

2. How is kinetic energy at the bottom calculated?

Kinetic energy at the bottom is calculated using the formula KE = 1/2 mv^2, where m is the mass of the object and v is its velocity at the bottom. This formula takes into account both the mass and speed of the object to determine its total kinetic energy.

3. What factors affect kinetic energy at the bottom?

The two main factors that affect kinetic energy at the bottom are the mass and velocity of the object. The greater the mass and velocity, the more kinetic energy an object will have at the bottom. Other factors that may affect kinetic energy include air resistance, friction, and the height of the object.

4. How does kinetic energy at the bottom relate to potential energy?

Kinetic energy and potential energy are two forms of energy that are closely related. Kinetic energy at the bottom is often converted from potential energy, which is the energy an object has due to its position or height. As an object falls, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases.

5. Can kinetic energy at the bottom be converted into other forms of energy?

Yes, kinetic energy at the bottom can be converted into other forms of energy such as thermal energy, sound energy, or electrical energy. This conversion typically occurs when an object collides or interacts with another object, causing a transfer of energy. Kinetic energy can also be harnessed and converted into other forms of energy through technologies such as turbines or generators.

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