Ok I'm taking this physics problem but is driving me insane. here it is
Using a Diagram that you can view in: http://besaid.us/diagram.jpg
A bead of mass m = 5kg is release from point A and slides on the frictionless track shown in diagram. Determine (a) the bead's speed at points B and C and (b) the net work done by the force of gravity in moving the bead from A to C.
I've been trying crazy to figure out this problem but I seriously I don't have a single idea. If you can help me by showing me how it is solved with the work progress I would gladly apprecieate it. Thanks!
2007-02-06 15:32:27 · 2 answers · asked by .joel 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
It's all about energy.
This problem deals with two types of energy: kinetic, and potential.
Before the ball starts sliding, it has only potential energy.
PE=m*g*h, where m=mass (in kg), g=gravitational acceleration(9.81, probably), and h=height
When the ball starts sliding, that potential energy becomes kinetic energy - the energy of movement.
KE=(1/2)*m*v^2, where m=mass, and v=velocity.
Using these two equations, and knowing the changes in height, you can figure out how fast the ball is going at any point. When the ball loses height, it loses potential energy, as per the equation mentioned. That energy turns into kinetic energy. Solving for the velocity in the other equation, you can find the speed.
2007-02-06 15:44:44 · answer #1 · answered by extton 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
use conservation of energy between A and B,C to get answer
work done by gravity= - change in potential energy
2007-02-06 15:43:24 · answer #2 · answered by tarundeep300 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋