A block slides down a smooth track from rest at a height above a horizontal surface
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
A block slides down a smooth track from rest at a height h above a horizontal surface. On reaching the horizontal surface, it travels a distance L over rough ground (coefficient of kinetic friction μk) and finally comes to rest.
Answer the following:
(a) Explain whether mechanical energy is conserved during the motion down the smooth track and during the motion over the rough surface.
(b) Write an expression for the change in mechanical energy of the block while it moves over the rough surface.
(c) State, with reason, what happens to the mechanical energy that is lost over the rough section.