Calculating Velocity and Height in a Wedge Experiment

In summary, a small block with a mass of 0.500kg is released from rest at the top of a frictionless wedge with a mass of 3.00kg on a horizontal surface. After the block leaves the wedge, it has a velocity of 4.00 m/s to the right. The velocity of the wedge is calculated to be 0.667 m/s to the left, and the height of the wedge is determined to be 0.953 m. The conversation also includes a suggestion to use the exact number 2/3 instead of rounding to .668, as this is a physics class. The expert thanks the person for checking the calculations.
  • #1
mighty2000
2,178
0
I think this may be correct I just need a second set of eyes on it to look it over. Thanks in advance.

The question is:

A small block of mass m1 =0.500kg is released from rest at the top of a curve shaped frictionless wedge of mass m2=3.00kg, which sits on a frictionless horizontal surface. When the block leaves the wedge, its velocity is measured to be 4.00 m/s to the right

a) what is the velocity of the wedge after the block reaches the horizontal surface

b) what is the height h of the wedge

anyway

a)
Pwedge=-Pblock
Mwedge*Vwedge=-Mblock*Vblock

Vwedge=(-mBlockVblock)/mWedge = -(0.500)*(4)/3
Vwedge= 0.667 m/s

b)
Ki+Ugi=Kf+Ugf

(0+Mblock*g*h=1/2*Mblock*V^2block + 1/2*Mwedge*v^2wedge+0)

h= (1/2*Mblock*V^2block + 1/2*Mwedge*v^2wedge)/gMblock

h=(4+.668)/4.9
h=0.953 m

any input?
 
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  • #2
Looks OK to me. Better use 2/3 than .668
 
  • #3
naa, this is a physics class, not a Calculus class. Exact numbers rounded to 3 places is best.

Thanks for the check.

Peace out bro

M2k
 

What is the velocity of the wedge?

The velocity of the wedge refers to the speed at which the wedge is moving. It is typically measured in meters per second (m/s) or kilometers per hour (km/h).

How is the velocity of the wedge calculated?

The velocity of the wedge can be calculated by dividing the distance the wedge travels by the time it takes to travel that distance. This formula is expressed as velocity = distance/time.

What factors affect the velocity of the wedge?

The velocity of the wedge can be affected by a number of factors, including the angle of the wedge, the mass of the wedge, and the force being applied to the wedge.

Can the velocity of the wedge change?

Yes, the velocity of the wedge can change if any of the factors mentioned above change. For example, if the angle of the wedge is increased, the velocity of the wedge will also increase.

How is the velocity of the wedge related to its acceleration?

The velocity of the wedge is directly related to its acceleration. As the wedge accelerates, its velocity increases. This relationship is described by the equation velocity = initial velocity + acceleration * time.

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