Solving a Block's Motion on Inclined & Horizontal Surfaces

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the distance a block slides on a horizontal surface after descending an inclined plane, factoring in friction. Participants explore the application of Conservation of Energy principles, acknowledging that friction causes energy loss. The key challenge is determining the block's speed at the bottom of the incline while accounting for friction's impact. Understanding the work done by friction is crucial for solving the problem, as it directly affects the energy available for the block's motion on the horizontal surface. The conversation emphasizes the relationship between energy conservation and the work done against friction in this scenario.
leighzer
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
A block of mass 3.0 kg starts at a height 0.60 m on a plane that has an angle of 30 degrees from the horizontal. Upon reaching the bottom, the block slides along a horizontal surface. If the coefficient of friction on both surfaces is 0.20, how far does the block slide on the horizontal surface before coming to rest?

I found the net force on the block and from there the acceleration, but i think this problem is supposed to be solved using Conservation of Energy theory, or something along those lines.

I know E initial cannot = E final since friction is acting on the block, but I'm not sure how to work that into the problem.

Can anyone help with this question?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If I can find the speed of the block at the bottom of the inclined plane, I'll be able to work it out from there, but how do i find the speed when friction is present?
 
If you take the block, ramp, floor and the air surrounding all these, the energy will be conserved. But, in this problem, only the block is important. So, while the block's coming down, it gains kinetic energy, but also loses some energy due to friction. You know how much it had initially, this should tell you how much it would have when it is at the bottom of the ramp. The second part is quite simple once you know at what speed the block leaves the ramp.
 
So are you saying the energy at the top will equal the energy at the bottom of the ramp?
 
If that were so, then the block would not have lost energy.

Energy(top) = Energy(bottom) + Energy(lost)
 
Right, but how do you figure out how much energy is lost due to friction? Is it something to do with Work?
 
leighzer said:
Right, but how do you figure out how much energy is lost due to friction? Is it something to do with Work?
Exactly. The plane does work on the block. Now, if you know the force due to friction and the definition of work, finding the work done should be simple. :)
 
Ok, thanks for the help.
 

Similar threads

Friction problem of a block sandwiched between 2 surfaces
Replies
6
Views
1K
Newton's law problem: Pushing 2 stacked blocks on a horizontal table
Replies
13
Views
3K
Finding the work done by a block
Replies
4
Views
3K
Is the Block Moving Horizontally or Perpendicularly on the Inclined Plane?
Replies
3
Views
2K
Work/energy to find horizontal displacement
Replies
16
Views
2K
Applying the Work-Energy theorem to a system
Replies
9
Views
1K
What is the displacement of a 3.0 kg block sliding down an inclined plane?
Replies
12
Views
2K
Spring and block on an inclined plane
Replies
27
Views
9K
Virtual displacement for a block sliding down a wedge
Replies
3
Views
2K
Block at rest on an inclined surface
Replies
36
Views
5K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top