What is the Rate of Work Done on a Box Moving at a Constant Velocity?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the rate of work done on a box moving up a ramp at a constant velocity. The problem involves concepts from mechanics, specifically forces acting on the box, including gravitational, frictional, and applied forces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between force, velocity, and power, questioning how to correctly apply the equations for work and power. There is discussion on determining the forces acting on the box and their directions, as well as the implications of constant velocity on net force.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided clarifications regarding the distinction between work and power, while others are attempting to derive expressions for the rates of work done by different forces. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct application of physical principles without a clear consensus on the final approach.

Contextual Notes

The problem includes specific parameters such as mass, velocity, and coefficients of friction, but there may be uncertainties regarding the interpretation of forces and their directions. The requirement to find rates of work rather than total work is also a point of focus.

chrispy2468
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Homework Statement


You push a 10 kg box up a rough ramp at a constant speed of 2 m/s.
uk=0.4
Theta=15
vi-vf=0 since constant which means a=0
Questions are
a. What is the rate at which you do work on the box? b. What is the rate at which gravity does work on the box? c. What is the rate at which friction does work on the box? d. What is the rate at which the net force does work on the box?

Homework Equations


I am not certain believe I should find distance traveled first..
Then the rest of work might be simple..
W=F*d
Wyou=mg sin(0)(yf-yi)-Ff
Wgravity=mg cos 180(yf-yi)
ma+mgsin(theta)-ukmgcos(theta)
P = F*v = rate of work done
x


The Attempt at a Solution


Ffric= uk*mgcos(theta)= .4(10kg)(9.8)cos(15)=.380N?

2ad=vf^2-vi^2 => vf^2-vi^2*2/a
which I think would = 0 so that must be wrong
I think I am on the wrong track, any help would be appreciated. Thank you!
[/B]
 
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You are correct that acceleration is zero ... so d=vt
You are not asked to find the work, you are asked to find the rate of work ... which is power, which you have given as P=Fv
You know v, so you just want F ... remember though that the direction of the force and the velocity counts too.
 
Thank you for the clarification!.. so..
Pyou=mgsin(0)-ukmgcos(15) *V
Pg=mgcos(90)*v
Pfric=ukmgcos(15)*V
Pforcetotal=Fyou-Fg-Ffric*V
??
 
Remember that movement in the opposite direction of the force makes the work negative.
The actual equations are ##W=\vec F\cdot\vec s## and ##P = \vec F\cdot\vec v## (where ##\vec s## is the displacement vector).

Note: since the box moves at a constant velocity, what is the total (net) force on the box?
 

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