A wooden block is moved on a horizontal table between two fixed points A and B along…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
A wooden block is moved on a horizontal table between two fixed points A and B along two different paths: a straight line AB and a semicircular arc joining the same end-points. The surface is perfectly smooth except for kinetic friction between the block and the table.
(i) Explain whether the work done by the gravitational force on the block in going from A to B depends on the path followed.
(ii) Explain whether the work done by the kinetic frictional force depends on the path followed.
(iii) Giving reasons, state why a potential energy function cannot be defined for the kinetic frictional force.