Solve the Homework Problem with Work and Energy

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a crate being pushed up a frictionless slope, focusing on the concepts of work and energy. The original poster presents a scenario where they apply conservation of energy principles to determine the speed of the crate at the top of the slope.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use conservation of energy to relate work done by a force to changes in kinetic and potential energy. They explore two different formulations of work done and question the validity of their reasoning.

Discussion Status

Some participants question the correctness of the original poster's equations, specifically regarding the relationship between work done and energy. There is an ongoing exploration of the definitions and applications of potential energy in the context of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants are discussing the implications of using different expressions for potential energy and the nature of work done against gravitational forces. There is a focus on ensuring that the units and dimensions align correctly in the equations presented.

Anthonyphy2013
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Homework Statement



Doug pushes a 5.30 kg crate up a 2.20-m-high 20 degrees frictionless slope by pushing it with a constant horizontal force of 27.0 N. What is the speed of the crate as it reaches the top of the slope?

a) Solve this problem using work and energy.



Homework Equations


Wd=delta KE, ke=.5mv^2 and pe=mgh

The Attempt at a Solution


Conservation of energy
W.d=Pe+KE
Fcos20=mg(h/sin20)+.5mv^2
v= 3.9m/s
but I consider another way about the work done
work done = delta KE
work done on force = Fcos20
work done against the gravitational force = mg(h/sin20)
so Work done by force - work done against the gravitational force =Change of KE .
which one is a corrected concept or both make sense. thanks so much.
 
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Anthonyphy2013 said:
...Fcos20=mg(h/sin20)+.5mv^2...

This is not correct.
 
szynkasz said:
This is not correct.

why is that not corrected ?
Since work done must be equal to delta KE , so we consider workd done on gravitational force is not a conserved work done ?
 
Last edited:
Left side of the equation is force, right is energy. Potential energy is ##mgh##, not ##mg\frac{h}{\sin 20^o}##
 

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