Work done against friction/resistance - inclined plane or slope

An object moves along an inclined plane or slope and the work done against friction or resistance is calculated using energy methods, often with given speeds at two points.

18 questions · Moderate -0.4

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CAIE M1 2020 November Q2
4 marks Moderate -0.8
2 A box of mass 5 kg is pulled at a constant speed a distance of 15 m up a rough plane inclined at an angle of \(20 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. The box moves along a line of greatest slope against a frictional force of 40 N . The force pulling the box is parallel to the line of greatest slope.
  1. Find the work done against friction.
  2. Find the change in gravitational potential energy of the box.
  3. Find the work done by the pulling force.
CAIE M1 2024 November Q2
4 marks Moderate -0.3
2 A block of mass 20 kg is held at rest at the top of a plane inclined at \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. The block is projected with speed \(5 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) down a line of greatest slope of the plane. There is a resistance force acting on the block. As the block moves 2 m down the plane from its point of projection, the work done against this resistance force is 50 J . Find the speed of the block when it has moved 2 m down the plane. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{145d93bd-7f56-4e8c-a646-938330511347-04_2716_38_109_2012}
CAIE M1 2016 June Q2
5 marks Moderate -0.8
2 A box of mass 25 kg is pulled, at a constant speed, a distance of 36 m up a rough plane inclined at an angle of \(20 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. The box moves up a line of greatest slope against a constant frictional force of 40 N . The force pulling the box is parallel to the line of greatest slope. Find
  1. the work done against friction,
  2. the change in gravitational potential energy of the box,
  3. the work done by the pulling force.
CAIE M1 2016 June Q1
4 marks Moderate -0.3
1 A particle of mass 8 kg is pulled at a constant speed a distance of 20 m up a rough plane inclined at an angle of \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal by a force acting along a line of greatest slope.
  1. Find the change in gravitational potential energy of the particle.
  2. The total work done against gravity and friction is 1146 J . Find the frictional force acting on the particle.
CAIE M1 2006 November Q1
5 marks Moderate -0.8
1 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{d0fa61eb-f320-427e-8883-de224d293933-2_421_1223_267_461} A box of mass 8 kg is pulled, at constant speed, up a straight path which is inclined at an angle of \(15 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. The pulling force is constant, of magnitude 30 N , and acts upwards at an angle of \(10 ^ { \circ }\) from the path (see diagram). The box passes through the points \(A\) and \(B\), where \(A B = 20 \mathrm {~m}\) and \(B\) is above the level of \(A\). For the motion from \(A\) to \(B\), find
  1. the work done by the pulling force,
  2. the gain in potential energy of the box,
  3. the work done against the resistance to motion of the box.
OCR M2 2009 June Q1
5 marks Moderate -0.3
1 A boy on a sledge slides down a straight track of length 180 m which descends a vertical distance of 40 m . The combined mass of the boy and the sledge is 75 kg . The initial speed is \(3 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) and the final speed is \(12 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). The magnitude, \(R \mathrm {~N}\), of the resistance to motion is constant. By considering the change in energy, calculate \(R\).
OCR M2 2011 June Q1
7 marks Moderate -0.3
1 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{65c47bd2-eace-4fec-b1e6-a0c904c4ec3f-2_314_931_242_607} A sledge with its load has mass 70 kg . It moves down a slope and the resistance to the motion of the sledge is 90 N . The speed of the sledge is controlled by the constant tension in a light rope, which is attached to the sledge and parallel to the slope (see diagram). While travelling 20 m down the slope, the speed of the sledge decreases from \(2.1 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) to \(1.4 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) and it descends a vertical distance of 3 m .
  1. Calculate the change in energy of the sledge and its load.
  2. Calculate the tension in the rope.
OCR MEI M2 2013 January Q2
16 marks Moderate -0.3
2 This question is about 'kart gravity racing' in which, after an initial push, unpowered home-made karts race down a sloping track. The moving karts have only the following resistive forces and these both act in the direction opposite to the motion.
  • A force \(R\), called rolling friction, with magnitude \(0.01 M g \cos \theta \mathrm {~N}\) where \(M \mathrm {~kg}\) is the mass of the kart and driver and \(\theta\) is the angle of the track with the horizontal
  • A force \(F\) of varying magnitude, due to air resistance
A kart with its driver has a mass of 80 kg .
One stretch of track slopes uniformly downwards at \(4 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. The kart travels 12 m down this stretch of track. The total work done by the kart against both rolling friction and air resistance is 455 J .
  1. Calculate the work done against air resistance.
  2. During this motion, the kart's speed increases from \(2 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) to \(v \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\). Use an energy method to calculate \(v\). To reach the starting line, the kart (with the driver seated) is pushed up a slope against rolling friction and air resistance. At one point the slope is at \(5 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal, the air resistance is 15 N , the acceleration of the kart is \(1.5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\) up the slope and the power of the pushing force is 405 W .
  3. Calculate the speed of the kart at this point.
OCR MEI M2 2011 June Q4
18 marks Standard +0.3
4
  1. A parachutist and her equipment have a combined mass of 80 kg . During a descent where the parachutist loses 1600 m in height, her speed reduces from \(V \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) to \(6 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) and she does \(1.3 \times 10 ^ { 6 } \mathrm {~J}\) of work against resistances. Use an energy method to calculate the value of \(V\).
  2. A vehicle of mass 800 kg is climbing a hill inclined at \(\theta\) to the horizontal, where \(\sin \theta = 0.1\). At one time the vehicle has a speed of \(8 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) and is accelerating up the hill at \(0.25 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\) against a resistance of 1150 N .
    1. Show that the driving force on the vehicle is 2134 N and calculate its power at this time. The vehicle is pulling a sledge, of mass 300 kg , which is sliding up the hill. The sledge is attached to the vehicle by a light, rigid coupling parallel to the slope. The force in the coupling is 900 N .
    2. Assuming that the only resistance to the motion of the sledge is due to friction, calculate the coefficient of friction between the sledge and the ground.
Edexcel M2 Q2
8 marks Moderate -0.3
2. A car of mass 1 tonne is climbing a hill inclined at an angle \(\theta\) to the horizontal where \(\sin \theta = \frac { 1 } { 7 }\). When the car passes a point \(X\) on the hill, it is travelling at \(20 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). When the car passes the point \(Y , 200 \mathrm {~m}\) further up the hill, it has speed \(10 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\). In a preliminary model of the situation, the car engine is assumed only to be doing work against gravity. Using this model,
  1. find the change in the total mechanical energy of the car as it moves from \(X\) to \(Y\).
    (6 marks)
    In a more sophisticated model, the car engine is also assumed to work against other forces.
  2. Write down two other forces which this model might include.
    (2 marks)
OCR MEI Further Mechanics A AS 2022 June Q4
10 marks Standard +0.3
4 The diagram shows two points A and B on a snowy slope. A is a vertical distance of 25 m above B. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{d1ec7861-dc8b-450b-8e05-c70479ab0dc2-5_220_1376_306_244} A rider and snowmobile, with a combined mass of 240 kg , start at the top of the slope, heading in the direction of \(B\). As the snowmobile passes \(A\), with a speed of \(3 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\), the rider switches off the engine so that the snowmobile coasts freely. When the snowmobile passes B, it has a speed of \(18 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\). The resistances to motion can be modelled as a single, constant force of magnitude 120 N .
  1. Calculate the distance the snowmobile travels from A to B. The rider now turns the snowmobile around and brings it back to B, so that it faces up the slope. Starting from rest, the snowmobile ascends the slope so that it passes A with a speed of \(7 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\). It takes 30 seconds for the snowmobile to travel from B to A. The resistances to motion can still be modelled as a single, constant force of magnitude 120 N .
  2. Show that the snowmobile develops an average power of 2856 W during this time. The snowmobile can develop a maximum power of 6000 W . At a later point in the journey, the rider and snowmobile reach a different slope inclined at \(12 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. The resistances to motion can still be modelled as a single, constant force of magnitude 120 N .
  3. Determine the maximum speed with which the rider and snowmobile can ascend. The power developed by a vehicle is sometimes given in the non-SI unit mechanical horsepower \(( \mathrm { hp } ) .1 \mathrm { hp }\) is the power required to lift 550 pounds against gravity, starting and ending at rest, by 1 foot in 1 second.
  4. Given that 1 metre \(\approx 3.28\) feet and \(1 \mathrm {~kg} \approx 2.2\) pounds, determine the number of watts that are equivalent to 1 hp .
AQA M2 2007 January Q1
8 marks Moderate -0.8
1 A child, of mass 35 kg , slides down a slide in a water park. The child, starting from rest, slides from the point \(A\) to the point \(B\), which is 10 metres vertically below the level of \(A\), as shown in the diagram. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{480a817d-074f-440d-829e-c8f8a9746151-2_259_595_685_705}
  1. In a simple model, all resistance forces are ignored. Use an energy method to find the speed of the child at \(B\).
  2. State one resistance force that has been ignored in answering part (a).
  3. In fact, when the child slides down the slide, she reaches \(B\) with a speed of \(12 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). Given that the slide is 20 metres long and the sum of the resistance forces has a constant magnitude of \(F\) newtons, use an energy method to find the value of \(F\).
    (4 marks)
CAIE M1 2009 June Q5
9 marks Standard +0.3
\includegraphics{figure_5} A cyclist and his machine have a total mass of 80 kg. The cyclist starts from rest at the top \(A\) of a straight path and freewheels (moves without pedalling or braking) down the path to \(B\). The path \(AB\) is inclined at 2.6° to the horizontal and is of length 250 m (see diagram).
  1. Given that the cyclist passes through \(B\) with speed 9 m s\(^{-1}\), find the gain in kinetic energy and the loss in potential energy of the cyclist and his machine. Hence find the work done against the resistance to motion of the cyclist and his machine. [3]
The cyclist continues to freewheel along a horizontal straight path \(BD\) until he reaches the point \(C\), where the distance \(BC\) is \(d\) m. His speed at \(C\) is 5 m s\(^{-1}\). The resistance to motion is constant, and is the same on \(BD\) as on \(AB\).
  1. Find the value of \(d\). [3]
The cyclist starts to pedal at \(C\), generating 425 W of power.
  1. Find the acceleration of the cyclist immediately after passing through \(C\). [3]
CAIE M1 2007 November Q4
6 marks Moderate -0.8
\includegraphics{figure_4} The diagram shows the vertical cross-section of a surface. \(A\) and \(B\) are two points on the cross-section, and \(A\) is 5 m higher than \(B\). A particle of mass \(0.35\) kg passes through \(A\) with speed \(7 \text{ m s}^{-1}\), moving on the surface towards \(B\).
  1. Assuming that there is no resistance to motion, find the speed with which the particle reaches \(B\). [3]
  2. Assuming instead that there is a resistance to motion, and that the particle reaches \(B\) with speed \(11 \text{ m s}^{-1}\), find the work done against this resistance as the particle moves from \(A\) to \(B\). [3]
Edexcel M2 2010 January Q3
6 marks Moderate -0.3
A particle of mass \(0.5\) kg is projected vertically upwards from ground level with a speed of \(20 \text{ ms}^{-1}\). It comes to instantaneous rest at a height of \(10\) m above the ground. As the particle moves it is subject to air resistance of constant magnitude \(R\) newtons. Using the work-energy principle, or otherwise, find the value of \(R\). [6]
Edexcel M2 Q2
5 marks Moderate -0.3
A stone, of mass 0.9 kg, is projected vertically upwards with speed 10 ms\(^{-1}\) in a medium which exerts a constant resistance to motion. It comes to rest after rising a distance of 3.75 m. Find the magnitude of the non-gravitational resisting force acting on the stone. [5 marks]
OCR MEI M2 2011 January Q2
17 marks Standard +0.3
  1. A firework is instantaneously at rest in the air when it explodes into two parts. One part is the body B of mass 0.06 kg and the other a cap C of mass 0.004 kg. The total kinetic energy given to B and C is 0.8 J. B moves off horizontally in the \(\mathbf{i}\) direction. By considering both kinetic energy and linear momentum, calculate the velocities of B and C immediately after the explosion. [8]
  2. A car of mass 800 kg is travelling up some hills. In one situation the car climbs a vertical height of 20 m while its speed decreases from 30 m s\(^{-1}\) to 12 m s\(^{-1}\). The car is subject to a resistance to its motion but there is no driving force and the brakes are not being applied.
    1. Using an energy method, calculate the work done by the car against the resistance to its motion. [4]
    In another situation the car is travelling at a constant speed of 18 m s\(^{-1}\) and climbs a vertical height of 20 m in 25 s up a uniform slope. The resistance to its motion is now 750 N.
    1. Calculate the power of the driving force required. [5]
AQA Further AS Paper 2 Mechanics 2019 June Q2
1 marks Easy -1.2
The graph shows the resistance force experienced by a cyclist over the first 20 metres of a bicycle ride. \includegraphics{figure_2} Find the work done by the resistance force over the 20 metres of the bicycle ride. Circle your answer. [1 mark] 1600 J \quad 3000 J \quad 3200 J \quad 4000 J