Two identical blocks slide from rest down two different rough ramps, X and Y
PHYSICS · Single correct · CBSE · Physics · Work, Energy and Power · Work, Energy and Power
Problem
Two identical blocks slide from rest down two different rough ramps, X and Y, that start at the same vertical height h above a horizontal floor. Ramp X is steeper and therefore shorter, while ramp Y is twice as long but less steep. Both ramps have the same coefficient of kinetic friction μk. Which statement correctly compares the speeds of the blocks, vX and vY, as they leave the bottoms of their respective ramps?
(a) vX=vY because each block loses the same amount of mechanical energy, which depends only on the vertical height h
(b) vX<vY because the steeper ramp produces a larger normal force and therefore a larger kinetic friction force
(c) vX>vY because the block on the longer ramp loses more mechanical energy to friction
(d) vX>vY because the component of gravity parallel to the ramp is larger on ramp X for the entire descent