Why Is My Calculation of Speed on an Inclined Plane Incorrect?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the speed of a mass sliding down an inclined plane, taking into account gravitational forces and friction. The mass is 2.0 kg, the incline is at a 20-degree angle, and the coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.20. The original poster is struggling with the correct application of equations to find the speed after sliding 4.0 m.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate work done using weight and displacement but questions the validity of their result. Other participants suggest focusing on the parallel force and friction, indicating a need to clarify the forces acting on the mass.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, providing alternative methods and clarifying concepts. Some guidance has been offered regarding the forces involved, and the original poster expresses gratitude for the assistance received, indicating progress in their understanding.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions confusion with the equations and calculations, highlighting a potential misunderstanding of the work-energy theorem and the forces acting on the mass. There is also a note about the original poster's inexperience with the topic.

kwise
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This problem is giving me issues. I don't think I'm using the right equations...

Problem:
A 2.0-kg mass is released from rest at the top of a plane inclined at 20 degrees above horizontal. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the mass and the plane is 0.20. What will be the speed of the mass after sliding 4.0 m along the plane.

A) 2.2 m/s
B) 3.0 m/s
C) 3.5 m/s
D) 5.2 m/s

Work:
Here is what I tried.
Mass= 2.0kg
Coefficient of Kenetic Friction= 0.20
Displacement= 4m
Weight= 9.8*2=19.6N

W=F*d*cos 0

W=19.6*4*cos(20)
W=73.67

W sub NET= change in KE
73.67=1/2*2*v(squared)
v=8.58m/s

That is not one of my choices :rolleyes:

Any help would be fantastic. Thanks in advance.
Kirk
 
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you need to find the parallel force to the plane, not just the weight,
Parallel force - friction force or

mgsin(teta) - u(normal force)
mg*sin(theta) - umg*cos(theta)

well, I am new here so i don't know how to neter in symbols like theta, coeficient of friction, ...

u= coeff of friction
 
i hope that's right, because i only started work-energy theorum today
 
looks like a great start for me. I'm going to give it a shot.

Thanks,
Kirk
 
Thanks so much! That got me on the right track. I was able to get the right answer, which was C if you wanted to know.

Kirk:smile:
 
Another method that uses "work = change in KE"... if you draw your freebody diagram, 3 forces act on the block, Fgravity, Fnormal, and Ffriction. The definition of Work is W=Fdcos(theta). Quantify the work done by each force, careful when determining theta for each. Fgx4metersxcos(70)... etc. Your total work done = change in KE... you will get an answer matching your one of the choices.
 

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