Two alternative paths lead from point A to point B in a warehouse

PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Work, Energy and Power · Work, Energy and Power

Problem

Two alternative paths lead from point A to point B in a warehouse. Path 1 is a straight, rough wooden ramp that slopes down

1.2\,\text{m}

in vertical height over a horizontal distance of

4.0\,\text{m}

. Path 2 descends the same vertical height but follows a longer zig-zag route consisting of two equal-length rough wooden ramps, each sloping down

0.6\,\text{m}

in vertical height over a horizontal distance of

3.0\,\text{m}

. A worker slides identical crates of mass

20\,\text{kg}

down both paths at negligible initial speed. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the crates and the wooden ramps is the same for both paths and equal to

0.25

. (a) Without performing detailed calculations, state which path results in a greater loss of mechanical energy to thermal energy and briefly justify your answer. (b) Explain, using energy considerations, why the final speed of the crate at point B differs between the two paths even though the vertical height change is identical. (c) Describe one practical implication of your answer for designing efficient material-handling routes in such a warehouse.

Related theory

Browse the problem library