Kinetic energy- pushing an object up an incline.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving kinetic energy and the motion of an object being pushed up a 20-degree incline. The original poster describes the scenario, including the initial velocity, mass, and coefficient of kinetic friction, and presents their attempts to calculate the distance the object is pushed up the incline.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the work done on the object by summing forces and applying the work-energy principle. They express confusion about their calculations and seek clarification on where they may have gone wrong. Other participants suggest alternative approaches, such as tilting the axes to align with the incline and using net force equations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and approaches to the calculations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the setup of the problem and the forces involved, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct method or solution yet.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a potential misunderstanding regarding the use of radians in calculations, which may have affected the results. The original poster is also new to the forum, indicating a learning context.

bopll
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Homework Statement


An object is given an initial velocity of 3.0 m/s up a 20 degree incline. Mass= 22.3 kg and coefficient of kinetic friction is .93.

Homework Equations



W = (1/2)mv1^2-1/2mv0^2

W = Fdcos(u)

The Attempt at a Solution



So I added the forces together, mgsin(20) + .93mgcos(20)

and this times cos(20) should be the total work, right?

so then since the change in kinetic energy equals work i set -(1/2)mv^2= -Fdcos(20)

plugging in the mass for m, initial velocity for v, the forces due to friction and gravity for F, and solving for d, i got the wrong answer. where'd i go wrong? I also tried this taking out the cos(20) in the second work equation and still got it wrong.Thanks, this is my first time using physics forums and i really hope i can get to understand this stuff...
 
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What is the question asking for?
 
sorry. the distance it's pushed up the hill.
 
Well I say you've done it fine by adding up the two forces.
What I would have done then would be to tilt the axes 20 degrees such that it's parallel with the incline. We'll call this axis the x.

We know that the magnitude of net force acting on the x-axis is mgsin(20) + 0.93cos(20).

Therefore just use \frac{1}{2}mv^2 = F\Delta d
 
Rake-MC said:
Well I say you've done it fine by adding up the two forces.
What I would have done then would be to tilt the axes 20 degrees such that it's parallel with the incline. We'll call this axis the x.

We know that the magnitude of net force acting on the x-axis is mgsin(20) + 0.93cos(20).

Therefore just use \frac{1}{2}mv^2 = F\Delta d
that's what i did :-\

it came out to .3979 ish and that wasn't right...
 
ugh. my calculator was in radians.

*facepalm*
 
How do i mark a thread as solved?
 
You can just let it die away
 

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