A block of mass is released from rest at the top of a smooth track that is above a…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Work Energy and Power · Work Energy and Power
Problem
A block of mass 2kg is released from rest at the top of a smooth track that is 2.0m above a horizontal section of the same track. The horizontal section is 5.0m long and offers a coefficient of kinetic friction μk=0.20 with the block. Take g=9.8m s−2.
(i) Identify all the forces acting on the block during its motion from the point of release to the end of the horizontal section and classify each force as conservative or non-conservative.
(ii) Calculate the total work done by the frictional force while the block slides over the horizontal section.
(iii) Determine the speed of the block as it just leaves the horizontal section.