Solving for the Height of a Slope with Unknown Mass

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the height of a slope where a box is positioned at the top, given that the slope is frictionless and the initial and final velocities are provided. The mass of the box is unknown, which adds complexity to the solution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between kinetic energy and potential energy, questioning how to utilize this to find the height without knowing the mass. There are inquiries about the acceleration of the box on the slope and suggestions to consider free body diagrams to analyze the forces involved.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into using energy conservation principles, while others are exploring alternative methods and questioning the assumptions about acceleration and forces acting on the box. The discussion is ongoing with multiple perspectives being considered.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of friction and the unknown mass as constraints in solving the problem. There is also mention of the original poster's unfamiliarity with certain concepts in physics.

Ivar
Messages
6
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A box is on top of a slope. The slope has NO FRICTION. V0 = 0 m/s, V = 4m/s.

MASS IS UNKNOWN

What is the height of the slope?

Homework Equations


Equation for energy (i think)

The Attempt at a Solution


I attempted to find the accelleration, but I do not know what the accelleration is for an object running down a slope with no friction.
The only force applying to the box is gravity, I think.

I am new to Physics. I tried solving it, but to no avail.
I know this can be solved without knowing the mass, but I don't know how! Help?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
KE at bottom should be equal to PE on the top of the slope
 
Yes. That I know. Bit how does this help me find the height of the Slope?

And what is the accelleration of an object running down a slope with no friction?
 
KE= mv^2 / 2 = mgh =PE .
mass is omitted in the equation , therefore you can find h .
the acceleration = F / m , you should find which component of gravity actually makes the mass running down the slope , then divide m , you got acceleration
 
Hi Ivar. Welcome to Physics Forums.

Jake Jungle has shown one method of getting the answer to your problem using energy conservation. But, it is not the only method, and maybe you are not that comfortable with using energy conservation. If not, have you considered drawing a free body diagram, and showing the forces acting on the box in your free body diagram?

Chet
 

Similar threads

Does the angle of the slope matter in these cases? Why/not?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
High School Box being pulled up a slope with friction
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Modelling the height of a block up a slope with time
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Relation between Friction, Velocity, and Acceleration
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
1K
What are the units for the slope in an Acceleration vs Mass Graph?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Stopping distances on a downward slope
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Setting up the differential equations on a moving slope.
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Slope of Force vs Frequency^2 and Radius vs Period^2 Graphs
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
8K
How to convert a slope to an acceleration?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
How High Does the Oil Drum Rise on the Sloping Plank?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K