Solving for Kinetic Energy on an Inclined Plane

[zelda1850]

Homework Statement

a 20 kilogram block is placed at the top of a 10 meter long inclined plane. the block starts from rest and slides without friction down the length of the incline

determines the kinetic energy of the block just as it reaches the bottom of the incline

Homework Equations

mass = 20 kg
distance = 10 m
height = 10 m

ke = 1/2 mv square

The Attempt at a Solution

is there another equation i can use to solve it?

 

[Delphi51]

There are two different approaches. One is to start with
energy at the top = energy at the bottom
and use your KE formula for one side of that.

The other is to use accelerated motion formulas to find how fast it is going after falling the given distance.

Is the height given? The question says "a 10 m long inclined plane" but does not give the height or angle of incline. I don't think you can find the answer without knowing the height or angle.

 

[zelda1850]

oh there was a diagram with the question showing that the height was 10m so which equation i can use if i know height?

 

[zelda1850]

what is the other formula?

 

[Oscur]

The other formula you need is for gravitational potential energy. Do you know it? If so, you can simply use conservation of energy and get the solution.

 

[zelda1850]

gravitational is mgh? is conservation of the energy same formula

 

[Oscur]

The principle of conservation of energy states that the total energy of a closed system must remain the same at all times. This system is totally isolated, except for gravity, and there is no internal friction. So the total energy of the system is:

E_T = E_K + E_P.

Does that help? Don't forget, there is a sign convention to take into account.

 

[zelda1850]

oh so using that forumula kienetic energy should be the same as the gravitational?

 

[Oscur]

Exactly. Because energy is conserved, the gravitational potential energy lost as it slides down the slope should equal the kinetic energy gained. :)