Speed to give box up incline to reach top (work-energy theorem)

[KurtWagner]

Hi guys,
I have come across a problem that I thought I was doing correctly but it seems I am not as my answer seems way too easy and is not the right one either. I don’t need the question worked out for me. I just need someone to give me a nudge in the right direction.

Homework Statement

“You must project a box up an incline of constant slope angle α so that it reaches a vertical distance h above the bottom of the incline. The incline is slippery but there is some friction present.
Use the work-energy theorem to calculate the minimum speed you must give the box at the bottom of the incline so that it will reach the top. Express your answer in terms of g, h, µ, and α.”

The Attempt at a Solution

My attempt was using:

(1/2)mv² = mgh + µmg cos(α) (h /sin(α))
with h / sin(α) being the hypotenuse(i.e. the distance up the ramp)

When I try to solve this for v I get to:

v = (2gh + 2µgh cot(α))^1/2

However, the answer is supposed to be:

v = (2gh[1 + μ/tan(α)])^1/2Any help would be greatly appreciated. :)

 

[CAF123]

What is the relationship between cot x and tan x?

 

[KurtWagner]

I don't know. I only arrived at cot(x) as a result of working out my original equation and it does not match the answer.

 

[CAF123]

I don't know. I only arrived at cot(x) as a result of working out my original equation and it does not match the answer.

You got cot α by rewriting cos α/sin α. What is tan α in terms of sin α and cos α?

 

[KurtWagner]

Wow. Thanks, that did it.

I changed cot α back to cos α/sin α and then divided by cos α, multiplied by sin α and kept going from there.

Thanks for your help.

 

[BiGyElLoWhAt]

I know you've already solved the problem, but your answer is entirely equivalent to the given answer from the book or whatever. The 2gh is factored out and cot = 1/tan

 

[KurtWagner]

I know you've already solved the problem, but your answer is entirely equivalent to the given answer from the book or whatever. The 2gh is factored out and cot = 1/tan

Thanks. That is a much easier way to do it.