A rock rolling down an incline-velocity and force

In summary, the formula for calculating the velocity of a rock rolling down an incline is V = √(2gh), where V is the velocity, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²), and h is the height of the incline. The mass of the rock does not affect its velocity due to Newton's second law of motion. The angle of the incline does affect the velocity, with steeper inclines resulting in higher velocities, but the mass and height also play a role. The force of gravity increases the velocity of the rock, while friction acts in the opposite direction and can decrease the velocity, especially on steeper inclines.
  • #1
NDbogan
18
0
The question is:
a spherical rock weighing 20 tons starts rolling down a steep incline from a height of 400 metres. Calculate the velocity when it reaches the ground level. What is the force exerted on the rock?


I've tried to work this out but I just can't seem to grasp exactly what I'm missing.

Any help will be really appreciated.
 
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  • #2
Conservation of energy ::biggrin::
 
  • #3
hmm...could you explain it a bit further.
 
  • #4
Use conservation of energy. The energy the rock has at the start and what is the energy converted to when it reaches the bottom
 

Related to A rock rolling down an incline-velocity and force

1. What is the formula for calculating the velocity of a rock rolling down an incline?

The formula for calculating the velocity of a rock rolling down an incline is V = √(2gh), where V is the velocity, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²), and h is the height of the incline.

2. How does the mass of the rock affect its velocity while rolling down an incline?

The mass of the rock does not affect its velocity while rolling down an incline. According to Newton's second law of motion, the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. Since the force of gravity is the same for all objects, regardless of their mass, the velocity of the rock will be the same regardless of its mass.

3. Does the angle of the incline affect the velocity of the rock?

Yes, the angle of the incline does affect the velocity of the rock. The steeper the incline, the greater the force of gravity acting on the rock, resulting in a higher velocity. However, the mass of the rock and the height of the incline also play a role in determining the velocity.

4. What is the relationship between velocity and force when a rock is rolling down an incline?

The relationship between velocity and force when a rock is rolling down an incline is that the force of gravity, which is pulling the rock down the incline, results in an acceleration that increases the velocity of the rock. The greater the force of gravity, the greater the acceleration and the higher the velocity.

5. How does friction affect the velocity of a rock rolling down an incline?

Friction acts in the opposite direction to the motion of the rock and can slow it down. The amount of friction depends on the type of surface the rock is rolling on and how smooth or rough it is. Therefore, friction can affect the velocity of a rock rolling down an incline by reducing it, especially on steeper inclines.

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