Work, Energy, and Power problems

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The discussion revolves around solving physics problems related to work, energy, and power, specifically focusing on a pole vaulter's landing velocity and a crate sliding down an incline. For the pole vaulter, gravitational potential energy is converted to kinetic energy as the vaulter falls, allowing for the cancellation of mass in the equations. In the crate problem, potential energy at the top of the incline is converted to kinetic energy minus the work done against friction. The correct calculation for the crate's velocity involves using the frictional force and the distance of the incline to determine the work done against friction. The final calculations reveal discrepancies in the expected velocity, prompting a reevaluation of mass and force relationships in the equations.
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Ok, this is the last day I have to work on this stuff, so please bear with me. I'll be posting questions in this thread as needed, so check back in every once in a while please.

A pole vaulter clears 6.00 m. With what velocity does the vaulter strike the mat in the landing area? (Disregard air resistance. g = 9.81 m/s^2)
 
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At 6.00m what is the vaulter's gravitational p.e.? Since you are disregarding air resistance, what is all the energy going to be converted to?
 
But PE = mgh, and I don't have m.
 
While that is true, as the vaulter falls, kinetic energy is gained while potential energy is lost. What does that mean now?
 
mgh = 1/2 mv^2. Masses cancel. Thanks.
 
New problem.

A 40.0 N crate starting at rest slides down a rough 6.0 m long ramp inclined at 30.0 degrees with the horizontal. The force of friction between the crate and the ramp is 6.0 N. Using the work-kinetic energy theorem, find the velocity of the crate at the bottom of the incline.
 
Well at the top of the 6m incline the crate has PE, and as it slides down all the PE is converted to KE and work done in overcoming friction.
 
work done in overcoming friction?
 
Twilit_Truth said:
work done in overcoming friction?
Yes, if there is not sufficient energy to overcome friction, then the block won't move. But the work done in overcoming friction is just simply Force*Distance
 
  • #10
Yes, if there is not sufficient energy to overcome friction, then the block won't move. But the work done in overcoming friction is just simply Force*Distance

And force is the downward force and distance is 6.0 m?
 
  • #11
Twilit_Truth said:
And force is the downward force and distance is 6.0 m?
The frictional force is the opposite direction of the motion of the crate.So it is the frictional force*distance(6)
 
  • #12
The frictional force you speak of is 6.0 N, right?
 
  • #13
Twilit_Truth said:
The frictional force you speak of is 6.0 N, right?

Indeed
 
  • #14
Ok, I did this:

mgh=PE
PE=(40.0)(9.81)(3)=1177.2 J

I got the height by this:

6.0 * sin(30)=3

then:

PE=KE+W
PE-W=KE
W=F(6.0 N)*d(6.0 m)=36 J
1177.2-36=1141.2 J

That might be where I messed up, but I kept going:

KE=1/2mv^2
2KE=mv^2
2KE/m=v^2
(2(1141.2))/40.0=v^2
57.06=v^2

So, the square root of 57.06 equals velocity, but it doesn't match the answers I have. It is a multiple choice question, here are the anwers:

A) 8.7 m/s

B) 3.3 m/s

C) 4.5 m/s

D) 6.4 m/s

What did I do wrong?
 
  • #15
Here m is not equual to 40. mg = 40N. SO m = 40/9.81 kg
 
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