Solving a Work/Energy Physics Problem: Troubleshooting and Solution

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a work and energy problem in physics, specifically focusing on gravitational energy and frictional work calculations. Participants are examining the setup of equations related to these concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses uncertainty about the setup of their equations, particularly regarding gravitational energy and frictional work. Participants question the definitions and representations of variables in the equations, such as the meaning of 'h' and 'x'.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on potential errors in the gravitational energy term and suggested recalculating the frictional work. The original poster has made progress in determining the relationship between 'h' and 'x', and has noted a close approximation to a book's answer.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of specific angles and terms used in the equations, which may influence the calculations. The original poster references a discrepancy between their calculated value and the book's answer.

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Hi Jason03,

The term you have for the gravitational energy is not correct. Do you see why?

(I think you might also want to recalculate the frictional work term.)
 
For gravitational energy do you mean the mgh on the right side of the equation?...I have mgx which could be a problem but I am not sure.



And for frictional work U 1-2 = -Friction*distance

so I did Kinetic Friction * Normal Force * distance x
 
Jason03 said:
For gravitational energy do you mean the mgh on the right side of the equation?...I have mgx which could be a problem but I am not sure.

What is the h in that equation, and what does the x you have represent? How can you write h in terms of x?
 
i just did h = x sin 25 and I came up with x = 2.3 and the book has x = 2.28

so now i have to figure the velocity and total frictional work
 
got it all figured out...thanks for the help!
 

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