Newton's 2nd Law problem (I think )

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving a block projected up a frictionless inclined plane, with specific parameters including initial speed, angle of incline, and questions regarding distance traveled, time taken, and speed upon return. The subject area is primarily kinematics and dynamics, particularly focusing on Newton's second law and energy conservation principles.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply kinematic equations to determine distance, time, and final speed but expresses uncertainty about the normal force and the correct application of formulas. Some participants suggest using conservation of energy for part (a) and applying Newton's second law to find acceleration for part (b). Others introduce energy concepts and equations related to gravitational and kinetic energy.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various approaches being explored. Some participants have provided guidance on using conservation of energy and Newton's second law, while others are seeking clarification on the original poster's understanding and methodology. There is no explicit consensus on the best approach yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses confusion regarding the normal force and the applicability of projectile motion formulas, indicating potential gaps in understanding the problem setup. There is also mention of specific values and variables that may not be fully resolved or understood.

frankfjf
Messages
166
Reaction score
0
Alright, here's the problem:

A block is projected up a frictionless inclined plane with initial speed v0 = 7.917811929967 m/s. The angle of incline is = 36.8°. (a) How far up the plane does it go? (b) How long does it take to get there? (c) What is its speed when it gets back to the bottom?

I'm not sure how to solve frictionless inclined plane problems, but I gave it a shot and here's what I got:

Vi = 7.9
Theta = 36.8
g = 9.8

The above are of course the known variables, and it seems I'm attempting to solve for vertical distance, time, and speed on the way back.

Here are the variables I think I've solved for:

I wasn't able to solve for Normal Force since I'm unsure how that works.

m = ?
t(time) = .81s

Vf = 0 (I assume that since they want to know how far up the block gets, it won't make it all the way up and even if it does it'll come to a stop, so I'm assuming the final velocity is zero.)

However, when I plug in what I know and what I think I know into the formula:

d(distance/displacement) = Vi(t) + (1/2a)(t^2)

I do not get the right answer.

To solve for time I attempted to use the formula:

Vf = Vi + at

But I'm not sure if I'm following proper proceedure.

If not, are the formulas involved at least correct?

Other than that, do I need the formulas for projectile motion or no?

Thanks in advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
For the a) problem, using the law of conservation of energy
For b), let write out the Newton's second law and find the acceleration of the object. Then the time is [tex]\Delta t=\frac{v_0}{a}[/tex]
For c), doing as the a).[/color]
 
I don't understand what you mean..
 
For a), the final gravitational energy is

[tex]W=mgl\sin\theta[/tex]

The initial kinetic energy is

[tex]K=\frac{1}{2}mv^2[/tex]

The friction force is

[tex]F=\mu mg\cos\theta[/tex]

The law of conservation of energy

[tex]K=Fl+W[/tex]

And continue...[/color]
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 42 ·
2
Replies
42
Views
6K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K