Q7-14DQ A box slides down a ramp and wor... [FREE SOLUTION]

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University Physics with Modern Physics

Hugh D. Young, Roger A. Freedman

Physics

14th edition Edition 路 1596 pages

ISBN: 9780321973610

Chapter 1: Q7-14DQ (page 228)

A box slides down a ramp and work is done on the box by the forces of gravity and friction. Can the work of each of these forces be expressed in terms of the change in a potential颅energy function? For each force explain why or why not.

Short Answer

Expert verified

As gravity is a conservative force, it can be expressed in the function of the change in the potential energy. As friction is a nonconservative force, it cannot be expressed in the function of the change in the potential energy.

Step by step solution

Significance of the work done

The work done on an object is described as the product of the force exerted by that object and the distance moved by that object. The work done also depends on the mass of that object.

Determination of the forces and the work done

The gravitational work depends mainly on the object鈥檚 final and initial height. Gravity is also described as a conservative force. It does not depend on the path, and it can also be expressed in the change of the function of the potential energy.

The frictional force鈥檚 work done mainly depends on the path between the final and the initial position. Gravity is also described as a nonconservative force. It depends on the path, and it cannot also be expressed in the change of the function of the potential energy.

Thus, as gravity is a conservative force, it can be expressed in the function of the change in the potential energy. As friction is a nonconservative force, it cannot be expressed in the function of the change in the potential energy.