Hello,
During a lab where you race 2 cars downward on a 30* angle slope, we got graphics of the different energies in play. (Gravitational, kinetic and Total in depending on time). Afterwards, we need to answer this question: Calculate non-conservative work exerted by the force of air resistance for both cases (meaning for both cars).
So my question is, are the asking me to calculate
Wnc = deltaE?
thank you
Look at this relationship
GPE lost= KE gained + nonconservativework
so figure the air fricion losses from the changes in energy.
ohhh I see, thank Bob!
*thanks
Hello!
To calculate the non-conservative work exerted by the force of air resistance, we can use the equation:
W_nc = ΔE_total - ΔE_cons
where W_nc represents the non-conservative work, ΔE_total represents the change in total energy, and ΔE_cons represents the change in conservative energy.
In this case, the only form of conservative energy involved is gravitational potential energy, and the only form of non-conservative energy involved is kinetic energy. Therefore, we can rewrite the equation as:
W_nc = ΔKE
where ΔKE represents the change in kinetic energy.
To calculate the change in kinetic energy, we can use the equation:
ΔKE = KE_final - KE_initial
where KE_final represents the final kinetic energy and KE_initial represents the initial kinetic energy.
Since the lab involves racing two cars downward on a slope, we assume that the initial kinetic energy is zero because the cars start from rest. Therefore, the equation simplifies to:
ΔKE = KE_final
To find the final kinetic energy, you can look at the graphics of the different energies in play. Find the value of kinetic energy at the desired time for both cars. Then, subtract the initial kinetic energy, which is zero, to get the change in kinetic energy (ΔKE) for each case. Finally, the non-conservative work exerted by the force of air resistance for both cars can be calculated by using the ΔKE values obtained.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.