A 2 kg block and a 3 kg block are pushed across a 2 m long frictionless table. E

Question

A 2 kg block and a 3 kg block are pushed across a 2 m long frictionless table. Each block is pushed with a force of 1.75 N. Both blocks start from rest.

a. Compare the work done on the 2 kg block and the 3 kg block. Use calculations or proportional reasoning.

b. Compare the kinetic energies of the two blocks when they reach the end of the table. Use the work-energy theorem to explain your answer.

c. Compare the speed of the 2 kg block to the speed of the 3 kg block at the end of the table.

d. Which block reaches the end of the table first? How do you know?

Explanation / Answer

Since distance covered and force were same

Work done by the force = 1.75*2 = 3.5 J

K.E. for 2 kg and 3kg block = Work Done on the blocks= 3.5 J

c. Compare the speed of the 2 kg block to the speed of the 3 kg block at the end of the table.

velocity for 2 Kg block = 1.87m/s

velocity for 3 Kg block = 1.527m/s

d. Which block reaches the end of the table first? How do you know?

The block having lesser mass will have higher acceleration and hence the higher velocity at any position,

therefore the 2Kg block will reach first.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse A
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.