Which Plane Orientation Dissipates the Most Mechanical Energy?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the mechanical energy dissipation of a block sliding on three different plane orientations: horizontal, sloped down, and sloped up. Participants debate which orientation results in the greatest energy loss due to friction. It is suggested that, despite the differences in stopping times, the total mechanical energy dissipated is the same for all orientations, as they all come to a stop. The conversation highlights the various forms of energy involved, including kinetic and gravitational energy. Ultimately, the conclusion is that energy dissipation is equal across all scenarios despite differing dynamics.
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The figure above shows three choices for the orientation of a plane that is not frictionless, and for the direction in which a block slides along the plane. The block begins with the same speed in all three choices, and slides until the kinetic frictional force has stopped it. For which choice is the amount of mechanical energy dissipated greatest?

The first figure is of a block on a horizontal plane.
The second figure is of a block on a sloped plane and the block's original velocity was down the slope.
The third figure is of a block on the same sloped plane, but the initial velocity was up the slope.

I thought the answer was the third figure, but it isn't. Now I think that all of the energy dissapated is equal because they all come to a stop. So all of the energy is gone. (but don't they stop at different times?) thanks
 
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Here's a hint, there's energy in many forms, kinetic, heat, and of course, gravitaitonal.
 
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