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

  • Thread starter Thread starter kwise
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Work Work problem
Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
5 replies · 9K views
kwise
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
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
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.