Physlet Physics by Christian and Belloni: Problem 6.5

6.1: Dot Products
6.2: Constant Forces and Friction
6.3: Force and Displacement
6.4: Springs
6.5: Circular Motion

Problem 6.5: Path dependence of forces and work

Please wait for the animation to completely load.

A 5.0-kg block (called Block 1) is lifted from rest by an external agent, then returned to its original position as shown in the animation (position is given in meters and time is given in seconds). An identical block (called Block 2) is pushed along the surface with a force of 10 N. As with Block 1, it is returned to its original position at the end of the animation. Both blocks start and end at rest. Restart.

Determine the work done by gravity on Block 1 during the animation.
Determine the work done by gravity on Block 2 during the animation.
Determine the work done by the normal force on Block 2 during the animation.
Determine the total work done by friction (done on Block 2 and the table) during the animation.

Physlets were developed at Davidson College and converted from Java to JavaScript using the SwingJS system developed at St. Olaf College.

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