Work and Energy Questions:

1. A block is projected from a point P across a rough, horizontal surface. M o tio n

d
P

The block slows down under the influence of a constant frictional force N
F and eventually comes to rest. Below is a free-body force diagram for
the block whilst it is moving.

State, with a reason, the amount of work done by each of the forces W
and N as the block moves across the surface. W

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(2)

The sliding block does work against friction. The graph 6

shows how the total work done varies with the distance
W o rk /J
d which the block has travelled from the projection
point P. 4

2
Use the graph to determine the force F.

0
0 0.4 0 .8 1 .2 1 .6 2 .0
D istan c e d /m

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F = ...........................................................
(2)

The block comes to rest 1.80 m from P. Add a line to the graph above to show how the kinetic energy of
the block varied during the motion.
(2)

The mass of the block was 0.820 kg. Calculate the speed with which it was projected from P.

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Speed = .....................................................
(2)
 Suppose that, instead of a constant friction force, the block W o rk
had been brought to rest by a drag force (air resistance)
which depends on speed. On the axes below sketch a graph
to show qualitatively how you would expect the total work
done against air resistance to vary with the distance d.

(1)

Explain the shape of your graph. D istan ce d

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(1)
(Total 10 marks)

2. The diagram shows a small vehicle which is free to A

move in a vertical plane along a curved track.
C
The vehicle of mass m is released from rest from
point A. It runs down to point B, a distance h h
vertically below A. Its speed at point B is v.
v

Write down expressions for

B

(i) the gravitational potential energy lost by the vehicle as it runs from A to B,

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(ii) the kinetic energy of the vehicle at B.

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(1)

Hence derive an expression for the speed v.

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(2)

State one assumption you have made in your derivation.

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(1)

Would you expect the vehicle to pass point C? Explain your answer.

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(2)
(Total 6 marks)