Sliding block- thermal energy - please

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating thermal energy changes and work done in a scenario where a lead block is pushed across the floor. The block, with a mass of 1.5 kg and a heat capacity of 130 J/(kg K), experiences a temperature increase of 0.3 K after being pushed 20 m with a force of 9 N. The thermal energy change of the block can be calculated using the formula E_therm = mC deltaT. The work done by the frictional force is critical, as it acts parallel to the motion of the block, while the normal force does no work. Participants express uncertainty about the calculations for work done and thermal energy changes, emphasizing the need for clarity on the relationships between these forces and energy transfers.
mshah3
Messages
38
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


You push a block of lead across the floor, applying a horizontal force of 9 N. The block moves at a constant speed. The mass of the block is 1.5 kg and the heat capacity of lead is 130 J/(kg K). After pushing the block a distance of 20 m, you measure its temperature and find that it has increased by 0.3 K.
In answering the following problems, state explicitly your choice of system!
(a) What is the change in thermal energy of the block?
(b) How much work is done by the frictional force of the floor acting on the block?
(c) What is the change in the thermal energy of the floor?


Homework Equations



Etherm = mC deltaT

Etherm = Force * delta r = W

The Attempt at a Solution



PART A : i was thinkin mCdeltaT

Part B: either -Fd or could be zero since the force is perpendicular to motion

Part C: work minus etherm maybe



****need help asap*****THANKS
 
Physics news on Phys.org
mshah3 said:

Homework Statement


You push a block of lead across the floor, applying a horizontal force of 9 N. The block moves at a constant speed. The mass of the block is 1.5 kg and the heat capacity of lead is 130 J/(kg K). After pushing the block a distance of 20 m, you measure its temperature and find that it has increased by 0.3 K.
In answering the following problems, state explicitly your choice of system!
(a) What is the change in thermal energy of the block?
(b) How much work is done by the frictional force of the floor acting on the block?
(c) What is the change in the thermal energy of the floor?


Homework Equations



Etherm = mC deltaT

Etherm = Force * delta r = W

The Attempt at a Solution



PART A : i was thinkin mCdeltaT
yes
Part B: either -Fd or could be zero since the force is perpendicular to motion
explain why you think the force is perpendicular (or parallel?) to the motion
Part C: work minus etherm maybe
explain your logic here.



****need help asap*****THANKS[/QUOTE]
 
well the block is moving to the right
and the work by floor is moving upward
making it perpendicular to motion

(honestly, part b and c are the ones I am very unsure about)

thank you
 
mshah3 said:
well the block is moving to the right
and the work by floor is moving upward
making it perpendicular to motion

(honestly, part b and c are the ones I am very unsure about)

thank you
Oh, OK, there are two forces exerted by the floor on the block; the upward normal force of the floor on the block, and the friction (leftward) force of the floor on the block (acting parallel to the floor). The motion of the block is to the right. Using the definition of work, frcostheta, note that the normal force does no work,(since costheta =0), and only the friction force does work. How much work does it do?
 
-Fd ?
 
The total change in energy is mc*deltaT.

So the work done by friction + the work done by the 9N force = mc*deltaT
 
oh ok that makes sense

so Wfric = mct - mgh

then would the etherm for floor be zero?
 
mshah3 said:
oh ok that makes sense

so Wfric = mct - mgh

then would the etherm for floor be zero?

not mgh... the displacement is not vertical... what is the work done by the 9N force... what is the definition of work?
 
well i meant change in distance

work = mgdetlar
 
  • #10
or wait no ... Fd
 
  • #11
mshah3 said:
or wait no ... Fd

yes, exactly.

so:

Wfric = mct - Fd
 
  • #12
alright, so how would i get to the etherm of the floor?
 
  • #13
mshah3 said:
alright, so how would i get to the etherm of the floor?

What did you get as the work done by friction?

Note that friction is the work done by the floor on the block.

The only object doing any work on the floor is the block...

if x is the work done by the floor on the block... what is the work done by the block on the floor?
 
  • #14
negative x
 
  • #15
mshah3 said:
negative x

exactly. what numbers do you get?
 
Back
Top