What Went Wrong in Solving the Energy Equation Problem?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a 10kg block sliding up a ramp with an initial velocity of 2m/s and an applied horizontal force of 75N. Participants are tasked with finding the maximum height the block can reach, using energy equations and considering forces such as friction and gravity.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of energy equations and the calculation of work done by friction and external forces. There are questions about the correctness of the original poster's calculations and the interpretation of terms in the equations. Some participants suggest alternative methods for determining the distance up the ramp before calculating height.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the energy equation and the forces involved. Some guidance has been offered regarding the calculation of friction and the need to consider the applied force's effect on the normal force. There is no explicit consensus on the correct approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential confusion regarding variable notation and the use of LaTeX for clarity. There is also mention of the need to ensure all relevant forces are included in calculations, particularly regarding friction.

Ut Prosim
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Homework Statement



The 10kg block has an initial velocity of 2m/s at the bottom of the ramp and slides up the ramp with a constant applied horizontal force F=75N as shown. Find the maximum height h that the block can reach on the ramp.

We're using cos(theta/%)=.8 & sin(theta/%)=.6

help-1.jpg


m=10kg | V1=2m/s | F=75N | Y2=? | Y1=0 | coefficient of friction(#)= .4

Homework Equations



K1 + Ug1+ Ue1+ W'1-2= K2 + Ug2 + Ue2

The Attempt at a Solution



K1= .5m(V1)2 V1=2 ==20
K2= .5m(V2)2 V2=0 ==0
Ug1= mgY1 Y1=0 ==0
Ug2= mgY2 = 98Y2

(elastics are 0)

W'1-2
= WF+Wf
= [-#*mgcos(%)*(y2/sin(%))] + [Fcos(%)*(Y2/sin(%))]
=[(-.4)(10)(9.8)(.8)*(Y2/.6)] + [(75)(.8)*(Y2/.6)]
=47.733Y2Energy Equation:

20+0+0+47.733Y2 = 0 + 98Y2 + 0
Y2=.398
BUT the answer is .249m.

If you could review my work, and help me find out where I went wrong, it would be greatly appreciated.
 
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Well... I don't get your answer, and I also don't get 0.249 m. The difference between my answer and yours comes from the energy equation and they way work is calculated. It looks like in your equation, the work done by friction helps and the work done by the external force hurts...

But like I said, I still don't get 0.249 m. It's always possible that I'm doing something wrong, too:smile:.

Also, it helps to use LaTeX for readability (it's hard to look at % and #... especially when you know it could be [tex]\theta[/tex] and [tex]\mu[/tex]). I might be nitpicking, but I also like to use the same variables that you're given in the problem. If it asks you to solve for h, why change it to [tex]Y_{2}[/tex]?

-Kerry
 
The work done by friction hurts, hence it has negative mu . I just have them switched in the addition problem above.

I have no clue what LaTeX is, although I see when I try to copy and paste your mu, LaTeX Code: \\mu, it shows up as an odd code. I'm new to these forums and have not been introduced to this character code.
 
I don't think you have enough terms. Also I think solving for the distance up the ramp is the way to go and then figure the h after you know how far up it goes.

To do this figure the net force on the block on the ramp:

Total-F = Applied-F*Cosθ - mg*sinθ - Friction-F

First determine what's happening with the first 2 forces.

75*.8 - 98*.6 = 1.2 N - friction

Now Friction is

μ*(75*sinθ + 98*cosθ) = .4(75*.6 + 98*.8) = 49.36

Net Force then = 1.2 - 49.36 = -48.16

From your force now you have the deceleration and can figure the distance by

V2 = 2*a*x

Then just figure h from x.
 
Ut Prosim said:
The work done by friction hurts, hence it has negative mu . I just have them switched in the addition problem above.

I have no clue what LaTeX is, although I see when I try to copy and paste your mu, LaTeX Code: \\mu, it shows up as an odd code. I'm new to these forums and have not been introduced to this character code.

Ah, yes, I believe you're right. I mis-read your post.

For LaTeX help, click on the [tex]\Sigma[/tex] to the right of the array of buttons when you're postion.

LowlyPion found our mistake (I made the same one you did...): We didn't include the effect of the applied force F on the normal force when we calculated the friction force. If you do that, you should get the right answer (the same one you'd get with LowlyPion's method).

-Kerry
 

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