Work on a ramp

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In summary, the conversation discusses finding the total work done on a crate as it moves up a ramp with a constant horizontal force and frictional resistance. The equation W=F*d is used to calculate the work, considering the component of force parallel to the motion and subtracting the frictional force. However, the force of gravity and resulting normal force were initially overlooked, resulting in the incorrect answer of 2631 Joules. After considering these additional forces, the correct answer of 987 Joules is obtained.
  • #1

Homework Statement



A 20kg create sits at rest at the bottom of a 15m long ramp that is inclined at 34deg above the horizontal. A constant horizontal force is of 290N is applied to the crate to push it up the ramp. While the crate is moving a constant frictional force of 65N is exerted by the ramp in resistance to its motion. What is the total work done on the crate during its motion from the bottom to the top of the ramp?

Homework Equations



[itex]W=F \cdot d[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I found the component of force parallel to motion to be

[itex]F_{||} = F_x \cdot \cos\left(\frac{34}{360} \cdot 2\pi\right)[/itex]

One can then find the work by subtracting the 65N of friction resistance and then multiplying by the distance of the motion, like so:

[itex]W = \left(F_{||} - 65N\;\;\right)\cdot d[/itex]

When I plug in the numbers I get 2631 Joules, but my answer key says it's 987 Joules. Can someone clue me in?
 
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  • #2
Don't forget gravity.
 
  • #3
Doh, right; yep, that comes out to 987 Joules now.

Somehow I saw the force of gravity that pressed the block up against the ramp and the resulting normal force as canceling and thus rendering both irrelevant. Totally missed that there is (now obviously) also a portion of the weight vector which does not press up against he ramp, since the ramp is slanted and not laying flat.

Thanks a million.
 

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