What Is the Correct Belt Velocity to Stop Boxes on an Incline with Friction?

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The discussion focuses on determining the correct belt velocity required to stop boxes on a friction-influenced incline. The coefficient of kinetic friction is given as 0.4, and the incline angle is 15 degrees. Initial calculations suggested a belt velocity of 6.73 m/s, but the correct answer is 3.87 m/s. Participants emphasize the importance of accounting for both friction and gravitational forces acting on the boxes as they transition from the belt to the incline. The conversation highlights the need to accurately apply energy equations and consider potential energy changes to arrive at the correct solution.
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Boxes are transported by a belt w/a vel. Vo to a fixed incline @ A where they slide & fall off @ B. Knowing that the coefficent of kinetic friction is u=.4 Determine the Vel. of the belt if the boxes are to have a Vel. of 0 and stop @ B.

There is a constant velocity while the boxes are on the belt, but from A to B there is friction of .4. AB is not a part of the belt, but a 15* inclined surfface.

I have tried this:

N=mgcos(theta)
Ff=uN
W=Ff(d)
Ff(d)=.5mv^2

This Gives 6.73m/s

The right answer is: 3.87m/s
 
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Draw a force diagram. You know they are traveling with cosntant velocity, so the net force in every direction is zero. This should be fairly easy.

Find the normal force, and given the friction coefficient, you can find the force of friction.

I can't decipher from your image whether the area labeled 6 meters is an area of freefall or part of the belt.
 
Anyway, The boxes have a certain kinetic energy imparted to them by the belt:

KE_{box} = \frac{1}{2} mv_0^2

This energy will be completely dissipated by friction once the boxes reach point B, a distance of 6 meters away. You can find the force of friction by knowing that it dissipates the energy of the box in 6m, or:

The change in energy is the total kinetic energy of the boxes, \Delta W = KE

F = \frac{\Delta W}{d} = \frac{mv_0^2}{12}

F = \mu_k N = 0.4 N and N = mgcos(15) = 9.46m so:

(0.4)(9.46m) = \frac{mv_0^2}{12}

Cancel the masses, and you should get ~6 m/s

*well if the answer is 3.87 then somethings up.
 
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W being work

Then W=KE2-KE1 not KE=Delta.W

KE2 Should=0 because the box will be at rest. therefor, W=KE1
KE1=.5mv^2 and W=Fd
F is where I think I am going wrong.
the Ff (friction force) isn't the only force acting is it?
 
But along the direction of the incline, you also have a force component coming from gravity, which is equal to
-mgsin(theta)...

So the total net force should be -mgsin(15) + 0.4mgcos(15)

then proceed like whozum explained and you will get the 3.87m/s

marlon
 
I was thinking this, but I figured that gravity would be negated by the normal force since it IS on the plane, and the vertical component of the normal force eliminated its effects. Now that I'm thinking about it that was what it is.
 
VSCCEGR said:
W being work

Then W=KE2-KE1 not KE=Delta.W

KE2 Should=0 because the box will be at rest. therefor, W=KE1
KE1=.5mv^2 and W=Fd
F is where I think I am going wrong.
the Ff (friction force) isn't the only force acting is it?

Were explaining the same thing with different terminology. I was explaining to you why I changed from W to KE in the next equation, the change in work will be equivalent to the Ke_f-Ke_i, since Ke_i = 0, then change in work will be Ke_f. Change in work is referring to the change in energy.

I just say work too much.
 
Marlon:

F_{net} = mgcos(15)-mgsin(15) = 6.92m

F_{net} = \frac{mv^2}{12}

v_0 = \sqrt{\frac{12F_{net}}{m}} = \sqrt{\frac{12(6.92m)} {m} } = 9.11m/s

??

edit: I added wrong.
 
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PRAISE U GUYS!

sum F=1.25m
F(6)=.5mV^2 (Why are ya'll dividing by 12?)
7.5m=.5mV^2
15=V^2
V=3.87m/s

Thanks,
I now wish I had Went into CAD instead of EGR!
 
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  • #10
VSCCEGR said:
I have tried this:

N=mgcos(theta)
Ff=uN
W=Ff(d)
Ff(d)=.5mv^2
Your mistake was to ignore the change in potential energy in your energy equation:
F_f d = 1/2 m v^2 + mg d\sin\theta
 
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