Work & GPE Homework Solution: m, R, h

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on a physics homework problem involving a block of mass m = 0.040 kg sliding along a frictionless loop-the-loop with a radius R = 14 cm. The block is released from a height h = 9R, and the gravitational work done on the block is calculated for two points: point Q and the top of the loop. The correct approach for calculating gravitational potential energy (PE) is emphasized, specifically using the formula U = mgy, which yields results in Joules when standard units are applied. The user initially miscalculated the potential energy at points Q and the top of the loop due to unit conversion errors.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational potential energy (PE) concepts
  • Familiarity with the work-energy principle
  • Knowledge of unit conversions between millijoules (mJ) and joules (J)
  • Basic physics of motion in a gravitational field
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the work-energy theorem in classical mechanics
  • Study gravitational potential energy calculations using U = mgy
  • Learn about energy conservation in circular motion
  • Explore unit conversion techniques in physics problems
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Students studying physics, particularly those tackling mechanics and energy concepts, as well as educators looking for examples of gravitational potential energy calculations in loop-the-loop scenarios.

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Homework Statement


In Fig. 8-33, a small block of mass m = 0.040 kg can slide along the frictionless loop-the-loop, with loop radius R = 14 cm. The block is released from rest at point P, at height h = 9R above the bottom of the loop. How much work does the gravitational force do on the block as the block travels from point P to (a) point Q and (b) the top of the loop? If the gravitational potential energy of the block-Earth system is taken to be zero at the bottom of the loop, what is that potential energy when the block is (c) at point P, (d) at point Q, and (e) at the top of the loop?
**image attached**

Homework Equations


w=mgh


The Attempt at a Solution


I've completed parts (a) through (c) and got those correct, however I cannot get a correct answer for (d) and (e), I used W=mgR and plugged in 0.040(9.8)(0.14)= 0.05488 mJ for (d) and then I used W=mg2R for (e) with plugging in 0.040(9.8)(2)(0.14)= 0.10976mJ... I need to convert these into joules and I did so and still got the wrong answer, I just want to know if I'm doing something wrong with the physics part of the problems?
 

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The only thing wrong is your thinking that the units are mJ and need to be converted to Joules. U = mgy will give you the potential energy in Joules when you use standard units of kg and m, as is the case here.
 

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