Kinetic Energy: Trial 1 vs. Trial 2

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around comparing two trials involving kinetic energy and the motion of a block on an incline. The original poster attempts to analyze how potential energy is distributed between a block and a plane in two different scenarios, questioning the implications of conservation of momentum and the effects of a non-inertial frame of reference.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the distribution of potential energy in two trials and how it affects the speed of the block. Questions arise regarding the validity of the original poster's reasoning, particularly about the velocities of the block in relation to the plane and the implications of using a non-inertial frame.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide guidance on the need for careful reasoning when discussing non-inertial frames and the inclusion of pseudo forces. There is an ongoing exploration of the assumptions made regarding the velocities of the block and the plane, with no explicit consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem is at an AP level, which may impose certain constraints on the complexity of the reasoning and the assumptions that can be made. The discussion highlights potential misunderstandings about the frame of reference and the forces acting on the block.

Amik
Messages
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Homework Statement
See the picture
Relevant Equations
Conservation of momentum and energy
So, I know the right solution should be like it has same potential energy initially, in the trial one, since the floor is frictionless, the plane will move too and it shares the potential energy with the block. So in trial 1 the potential energy equals final kinetic energy of the block and plane. But in trial 2, all potential energy goes to block and thus in trial 2, the block will have greater speed
But, Can I do it this way?
In both trials, the block will have the same velocity on the plane with respect to the plane(not the ground), However, according to conservation of momentum, In trial 1, when block speed up on the plane, the plane will have horizontal velocity deirected to the left too. So the velocity of the block in trial 1 is always the horizontal component of the velocity of the block minus the horizontal component of the velocity of the plane but in trial 2 the velocity in trial 2 is always the horizontal component of the velocity of the block. So I think the velocity in trial 2 is larger.
Is there any problem with second way to do it?
 

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Amik said:
In both trials, the block will have the same velocity on the plane with respect to the plane
How so?
 
For plane I mean the incline. Because in both senarios blocks are only subject component of force of gravity(that force is parallel to the surface)
I might be wrong.
 
Amik said:
For plane I mean the incline. Because in both senarios blocks are only subject component of force of gravity(that force is parallel to the surface)
I might be wrong.
The frame of reference of the (sliding) plane is non-inertial, so you need to include a pseudo force on the block to represent the plane's acceleration.
 
OK. This is only AP level problem. Dioes that mean my explanation is entirely wrong?
 
Amik said:
OK. This is only AP level problem. Dioes that mean my explanation is entirely wrong?
First, the statement of yours that I quoted in post #2 is not obviously true so you cannot use that argument without more detailed reasoning.
Your explanation in post #3 leans on use of a non-inertial frame, so needs to be particularly careful. In particular, you have omitted the pseudo force that needs to be included in such a frame.
Your explanation might still work if you include the pseudo force and develop the relevant equations.
 

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