Work of a object moving across surfaces with different friction

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the work required to move a large block of stone across different surfaces with varying coefficients of friction. The context is set in a construction scenario where the block must be transported from the docks to the temple grounds, either along established roads or directly across fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculations for work done against gravity and friction, questioning the relevance of each term in the equations provided. There is uncertainty about whether the calculations accurately reflect the work needed to overcome friction alone.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the components of the work calculations. Some have expressed confusion regarding the necessity of including gravitational work in the context of horizontal movement, while others are exploring the implications of friction on the total work required.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the differences in coefficients of friction between the road and the field, and how these affect the calculations. There is also a focus on ensuring that the assumptions made about the movement and forces involved are valid.

ac7597
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Homework Statement
Hetsut is the foreman of a construction project in ancient Egypt. He needs to move a giant block of stone, of mass 12 metric tons, from the docks to the temple grounds. He can go along the roads by travelling 295 meters east, then 89 meters north. Along the roads, the coefficient of kinetic friction between block and ground is 0.12.

"Excuse me, honored foreman," says one of the workmen, "but would it be better to take a short cut along a direct route, across the fields?" The foreman thinks for a moment -- he knows that the coefficient of kinetic friction between stone and dirt in the fields is higher, about 0.22.

How much work would the team have to do on the block to move it from rest at the docks to a position at rest at the temple grounds, if they go along the roads?

How much work would the team have to do on the block to move it from rest at the docks to a position at rest at the temple grounds, if they go straight across the fields?
Relevant Equations
work of gravity=mgH
12 metric ton=12000kg
straight length=(295^2+89^2)^(1/2)=308.13m
Homework Statement: Hetsut is the foreman of a construction project in ancient Egypt. He needs to move a giant block of stone, of mass 12 metric tons, from the docks to the temple grounds. He can go along the roads by traveling 295 meters east, then 89 meters north. Along the roads, the coefficient of kinetic friction between block and ground is 0.12.

"Excuse me, honored foreman," says one of the workmen, "but would it be better to take a short cut along a direct route, across the fields?" The foreman thinks for a moment -- he knows that the coefficient of kinetic friction between stone and dirt in the fields is higher, about 0.22.

How much work would the team have to do on the block to move it from rest at the docks to a position at rest at the temple grounds, if they go along the roads?

How much work would the team have to do on the block to move it from rest at the docks to a position at rest at the temple grounds, if they go straight across the fields?
Homework Equations: work of gravity=mgH
12 metric ton=12000kg
straight length=(295^2+89^2)^(1/2)=308.13m

work=mgH-u(mgH).
work to east=(12000kg)(9.8m/s^2)(295m)-(0.12)(12000kg)(9.8m/s^2)(295m)=30.5E6 J
work to north=(12000kg)(9.8m/s^2)(89m)-(0.12)(12000kg)(9.8m/s^2)(89m)=9.21E6 J
total work= 30.5E6 J+ 9.21E6 J= 39.7E6 J

work to straight=(12000kg)(9.8m/s^2)(308.13m)-(0.22)(12000kg)(9.8m/s^2)(308.13m)=28.3E6 J
 
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ac7597 said:
work to east=(12000kg)(9.8m/s^2)(295m)-(0.12)(12000kg)(9.8m/s^2)(295m)
I do not understand this calculation. Is the first term work against gravity? The block is not being hoisted up 295m. And why subtract work against friction?
 
Is it just the work of friction that the foreman will have to overcome?
(0.12)(12000kg)(9.8m/s^2)(295m) + (0.12)(12000kg)(9.8m/s^2)(89m)=work on the road

(0.22)(12000kg)(9.8m/s^2)(308.13m)=work straight to the temple
 
ac7597 said:
Is it just the work of friction that the foreman will have to overcome?
(0.12)(12000kg)(9.8m/s^2)(295m) + (0.12)(12000kg)(9.8m/s^2)(89m)=work on the road

(0.22)(12000kg)(9.8m/s^2)(308.13m)=work straight to the temple
Yes.
 

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