Math Problem Statement

A 20.0 N force acting downward at 60.0° on a block as shown in the diagram here moves the body a distance of 5.00 m.

A 5 kg block is on a flat surface. Two forces act on the block. Force f = 3 N acts to the left where the block lies on the surface. Force F = 20 N acts down and right on the top left corner of the block, 60° above the horizontal. The friction acting between the block and the surface is 3.00 N. The kinetic energy of the block

(A) will increase. (B) will decrease.
(C) will remain constant. (D) is zero.

Solution

To determine how the kinetic energy of the block will change, let's analyze the forces acting on it and determine if there's any net work done in the direction of motion.

Given Data and Analysis:

  • Force FF = 20 N, acting downward at a 60.060.0^\circ angle relative to the horizontal.
  • Distance moved d=5.00md = 5.00 \, \text{m}.
  • Force f=3Nf = 3 \, \text{N}, acting to the left (opposing the direction of motion if the block moves to the right).
  • Friction Force ffriction=3.00Nf_{\text{friction}} = 3.00 \, \text{N}.
  • Mass of the block m=5kgm = 5 \, \text{kg}.

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Resolve Force FF into Components: Since FF acts at an angle of 6060^\circ from the horizontal:

    • Horizontal component of FF: Fx=Fcos(60)=20×12=10NF_x = F \cos(60^\circ) = 20 \times \frac{1}{2} = 10 \, \text{N}
    • Vertical component of FF: Fy=Fsin(60)=20×3217.32NF_y = F \sin(60^\circ) = 20 \times \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \approx 17.32 \, \text{N}
  2. Analyze the Forces in the Horizontal Direction:

    • The horizontal component Fx=10NF_x = 10 \, \text{N} pushes the block to the right.
    • The friction force ffriction=3.00Nf_{\text{friction}} = 3.00 \, \text{N} opposes the motion to the right.
    • Net horizontal force: Fnet=Fxffriction=10N3N=7NF_{\text{net}} = F_x - f_{\text{friction}} = 10 \, \text{N} - 3 \, \text{N} = 7 \, \text{N}
  3. Work Done by the Net Force:

    • Since there is a net force Fnet=7NF_{\text{net}} = 7 \, \text{N} in the horizontal direction and the block moves a distance d=5.00md = 5.00 \, \text{m} in this direction, work is done by this net force.
    • Work done W=Fnet×dW = F_{\text{net}} \times d: W=7N×5.00m=35JW = 7 \, \text{N} \times 5.00 \, \text{m} = 35 \, \text{J}
  4. Effect on Kinetic Energy:

    • The positive work done on the block means that energy is added to the block’s motion.
    • Since work is directly related to the change in kinetic energy (by the work-energy theorem), the kinetic energy of the block will increase.

Conclusion:

The correct answer is: (A) will increase.

Would you like further details on this solution, or do you have any specific questions?


Here are some related questions to consider:

  1. How would the answer change if the friction force was greater than the horizontal component of FF?
  2. What would happen if the force FF were applied at an angle greater than 6060^\circ above the horizontal?
  3. How would the kinetic energy change if the distance moved was less than 5.00 m?
  4. What if there was an upward force applied instead of the downward force at 6060^\circ?
  5. How does the weight of the block influence the frictional force here?

Tip: Remember, in such problems, the work done by a force component in the direction of motion directly influences the change in kinetic energy.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Physics
Kinetics
Forces
Work-Energy Theorem

Formulas

Horizontal component of force: Fx = F cos(θ)
Vertical component of force: Fy = F sin(θ)
Net horizontal force: F_net = Fx - f_friction
Work done: W = F_net × d

Theorems

Work-Energy Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12