Simple Work problem with block and friction.

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the net work done on a 50kg block sliding on a surface with a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.60 when a force of 400 N is applied at a 20° angle. The applied horizontal force is calculated as 375.88 N, while the frictional force opposing the motion is determined to be -294 N. The work done by the applied force over a distance of 15 meters is 5638.2 J, and the work done by friction is -4410 J. The initial calculation of net work resulted in 1228.2 J, which was incorrect due to not accounting for the vertical component of the applied force that affects the block's weight and friction. Correcting for this vertical component is essential to accurately determine the net work done on the block.
TwinGemini14
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Suppose that a 50kg block slides along a horizontal surface where the coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the surface is 0.60. A force F = 400 N is now applied where the angle of the force above horizontal is 20°. (Like a string pulling the block from the right 20 degrees above the horizontal)

What is the net work done on the block after the block is pulled 15 meters?

A) 1.54 * 10^3 J
B) 2.45 * 10^3 J
C) 2.75 * 10^3 J
D) 3.00 * 10^3 J
E) 3.29 * 10^3 J

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The force applied across the horizontal is Fcos(20) = 400*cos(20) = 375.88N.
The frictional force opposing this is (0.6)(50)(-9.8) = -294N.

So the work done by the applied force is W = Fd = (375.88)(15) = 5638.2J.
The work done by the frictional force is W = Fd = (-294)(15) = -4410J.

The net force is then... W = (5638.2)+(-4410) = 1228.2J.

I got 1.23 * 10^3J ... but that is not a choice. Where did I go wrong? Can anybody help me out here?
 
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You have to take the vertical component of the force, which reduces the weight of the block, and hence the frictional froce.
 
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