Simple Work problem with block and friction.

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the net work done on a 50 kg block sliding on a horizontal surface with a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.60, under the influence of a 400 N force applied at a 20° angle. The correct approach involves calculating the horizontal component of the applied force as 375.88 N and the frictional force as -294 N. The net work done after pulling the block 15 meters is determined to be 1228.2 J, which is not among the provided answer choices, indicating a potential oversight in accounting for the vertical component of the applied force that affects the normal force and, consequently, the frictional force.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Knowledge of work-energy principles
  • Familiarity with frictional forces and their calculations
  • Basic trigonometry for resolving forces into components
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the concept of net work done on an object in motion
  • Learn how to calculate frictional forces in inclined scenarios
  • Study the effects of angle on force components in physics
  • Explore the relationship between normal force and friction in detail
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone involved in mechanics or engineering who seeks to understand the principles of work, friction, and force interactions in practical scenarios.

TwinGemini14
Messages
31
Reaction score
0
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

----

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?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You have to take the vertical component of the force, which reduces the weight of the block, and hence the frictional froce.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 58 ·
2
Replies
58
Views
6K
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Replies
29
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K