Mechanics: Work, Energy and Power

Work, Energy and Power: Audio Guided Solution

Problem 32:

Matthew starts from rest on top of 8.45 m high sledding hill. He slides down the 32-degree incline and across the plateau at its base. The coefficient of friction between the sled and snow is 0.128 for both the hill and the plateau. Matthew and the sled have a combined mass of 27.5 kg. Determine the distance which Matthew will slide along the level surface before coming to a complete stop.

Audio Guided Solution

Habits of an Effective Problem Solver

• Read the problem carefully and develop a mental picture of the physical situation. If necessary, sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help you visualize it.
• Identify the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner. Equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity - e.g., v_o = 0 m/s; a = 4.2 m/s/s; v_f = 22.9 m/s; d = ???.
• Use physics formulas and conceptual reasoning to plot a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity.
• Identify the appropriate formula(s) to use.
• Perform substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.

Read About It!

Get more information on the topic of Work, Energy and Power at The Physics Classroom Tutorial.

• Work
• Resolving the Weight Vector on an Inclined Plane
• Potential Energy
• Kinetic Energy
• Mechanical Energy
• Situations Involving External Forces
• Situations Involving Energy Conservation

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