Why Did I Get the Physics Problem on Work and Energy Wrong?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem related to work and energy, specifically focusing on the concepts of kinetic and potential energy in the context of circular motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the equation N = mv^2/R and questions why their answer of \sqrt{9.8} was incorrect. Some participants suggest that the assumption N = mg is flawed in this context, indicating that N should be greater than mg when the object is in circular motion. There is also a discussion about using energy conservation principles to find the velocity.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different interpretations of the problem, particularly regarding the relationship between normal force and gravitational force in circular motion. Some guidance has been offered regarding the conservation of energy approach, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct method yet.

Contextual Notes

There are indications that the problem may involve assumptions about potential energy at different points in the motion, and the participants are considering how to calculate kinetic energy based on changes in potential energy.

muna580
I need hlep with some questions related to work, and energy.

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/8616/untitled1xn8.jpg

I tried doing #8 and I got the answer [tex]\sqrt{9.8}[/tex] but I got the answer wrong.

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/8269/untitled1df2.jpg

I used this concept to solve number 8, but why did I get it wrong?

N = mv^2/R

mg = N

mg = mv^2/RBut why did I get the answer wrong? Did I do it wrong?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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muna580 said:
I need hlep with some questions related to work, and energy.

I tried doing #8 and I got the answer [tex]\sqrt{9.8}[/tex] but I got the answer wrong.

I used this concept to solve number 8, but why did I get it wrong?

N = mv^2/R

mg = N

mg = mv^2/R


But why did I get the answer wrong? Did I do it wrong?
Because N does not equal mg, and because this is not the correct approach to the problem. First, if N did equal mg, the ball souild be going in a straight line, not on the arc of a circle. What is in fact true in this case is that N is greater than mg

N - mg = mv^2/R

But that will not help you find v. To find v you need to know the energy of the ball. If you say it has zero potential energy at the bottom, the energy there is all kinetic. At the top, the energy is all potential. Energy conservation will lead you to the velocity.
 
Last edited:
So how do I calculate the Kenetic enegery at that point?
 
muna580 said:
So how do I calculate the Kenetic enegery at that point?
Calculate the change in gravitational potential energy between the high point and the low point of the motion. The loss of potential energy equals the increase in kinetic energy. Total energy is conserved.
 

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