Work and energy - easy question

In summary, the conversation discusses the necessary height "h" from which a mass "m" must be released in order to remain on a looped track with a radius of "r" at the top of the loop. The solution involves using the equations for centripetal acceleration and potential energy, ultimately resulting in the minimum height of 2.5 times the radius of the loop.
  • #1
7tongc5
9
0
a mass "m" slides without friction along a looped apparatus. If the object is to remain on the track, even at the top of the loop (whose radius is "r") from what minimum height "h" must it be released?
 
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  • #2
Remember that at the top of the loop, gravity must provide the centripetal acceleration of the object.
 
  • #3
right. so

mg = (mv^2)r, masses cancel, solve for v^2

v^2 = 9.8r

and E = 1/2mv^2 + mgh
mgh = 1/2m (9.8r) + m(9.8)(2r)
9.8h = 1/2 (9.8r) + (9.8)(2r)
h = 1.55 --> = height of loop

am i tackling this right so far?
 
  • #4
7tongc5 said:
right. so
mg = (mv^2)r, masses cancel, solve for v^2
v^2 = 9.8r
and E = 1/2mv^2 + mgh
mgh = 1/2m (9.8r) + m(9.8)(2r)
9.8h = 1/2 (9.8r) + (9.8)(2r)
Right, when "h" is measured from the level of the bottom of the loop.
h = 1.55 --> = height of loop
am i tackling this right so far?
:confused:

just divide with g, and get h=2.5r.
 

1. What is work?

Work is defined as the force applied to an object multiplied by the distance the object moves in the direction of the force. It is a measure of the energy transferred to or from an object when a force is applied.

2. How is work calculated?

Work is calculated by multiplying the force applied to an object by the distance the object moves in the direction of the force. The formula for work is W = F x d, where W is work, F is force, and d is distance.

3. What is energy?

Energy is the ability to do work. It is a measure of the ability of a system to cause change or do work on other systems.

4. How is energy related to work?

Energy and work are closely related, as work is the transfer of energy from one system to another. When work is done on an object, energy is transferred to that object, and when work is done by an object, energy is transferred from that object.

5. What are the different types of energy?

There are several types of energy, including kinetic energy, potential energy, thermal energy, electrical energy, and chemical energy. Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion, while potential energy is the energy an object has due to its position or state. Thermal energy is the energy associated with the motion of particles in a substance, while electrical energy is the energy associated with the movement of electrons. Chemical energy is the energy stored in the bonds between atoms in a molecule.

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