# Mechanical Energy problem

1. Jan 22, 2008

### temaire

[SOLVED] Mechanical Energy problem

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

2. Relevant equations
$$E_{m}=E_k + E_p$$

3. 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?

2. Jan 22, 2008

### temaire

Can anyone help?

3. Jan 22, 2008

### awvvu

If there's a net force up the ramp then it has to be accelerating, and therefore KE is increasing.

4. Jan 22, 2008

### DylanB

we dont know where the net force is pointing though, because we dont 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.

5. Jan 22, 2008

### temaire

Thanks dylan.