# Work Done By Friction on a Circular Ramp

## Homework Statement

A small block of mass m is held at the top of a rough quarter-circle ramp of radius R as shown in the figure, and then released from rest. When it reaches the bottom of the ramp, it is moving with speed V. How much work did friction do on the block from the top to the bottom? Express your answer in terms of m, g, V and R.

## Homework Equations

W (nc) = $$\Delta$$K + $$\Delta$$U

## The Attempt at a Solution

Work done by gravitational potential energy is equal to mgR. It turns into kinetic energy at the bottom. Therefore,

W = ((1/2)mv^2 - 0) + (0 - mgR)
W = (1/2)mv^2 - mgR

And since this the work done by the object, the work done by friction would be the negative value. Thus,

W = -(1/2)mv^2 + mgR

Am I on the right track?

## Answers and Replies

ideasrule
Homework Helper
Yes, that's actually the right answer. Why did you doubt that it was?

Yes, that's actually the right answer. Why did you doubt that it was?

Haha, I'm not sure. I was never really good at deriving equations.