How much force and energy for moving a frictionless object

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving an object of 10 kg being displaced 2 meters on a frictionless surface in 0.5 seconds. The equations used to solve this problem are force = mass*acceleration, acceleration = (change in velocity)/time, and velocity = (change in position)/time. The attempt at a solution assumes a constant force and calculates the final velocity to be 4 m/s and the acceleration to be 8 m/s^2. However, the calculation for final velocity is incorrect and the question of whether a constant force is given or not is raised.
  • #1
5P@N
58
3

Homework Statement


I have an object of 10 kg
It is to be displaced 2 meters
Assume a frictionless surface, and no wind resistance
The object begins as stationary, then is moved that distance in the span of .5 seconds.

Homework Equations


Force = mass* acceleration
acceleration = (delta velocity) / time
velocity = (delta position) / time

The Attempt at a Solution


initial velocity is 0
final velocity is: (2 - 0) meters / .5 second = 2 meters / .5 seconds= 4 meters per second
acceleration = (4 m/s - 0 m/s) / .5 seconds = 8 meters / second^2
8(m/s^2) * 10 kg = 80 Newtons

Correct?
 
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  • #2
5P@N said:

Homework Statement


I have an object of 10 kg
It is to be displaced 2 meters
Assume a frictionless surface, and no wind resistance
The object begins as stationary, then is moved that distance in the span of .5 seconds.

Homework Equations


Force = mass* acceleration
acceleration = (delta velocity) / time
velocity = (delta position) / time

The Attempt at a Solution


initial velocity is 0
final velocity is: (2 - 0) meters / .5 second = 2 meters / .5 seconds= 4 meters per second
acceleration = (4 m/s - 0 m/s) / .5 seconds = 8 meters / second^2
8(m/s^2) * 10 kg = 80 Newtons

Correct?
You have mot stated what you are asked to find. You seem to have assumed a constant force. Is that given?
 
  • #3
5P@N said:

Homework Statement


I have an object of 10 kg
It is to be displaced 2 meters
Assume a frictionless surface, and no wind resistance
The object begins as stationary, then is moved that distance in the span of .5 seconds.

Homework Equations


Force = mass* acceleration
acceleration = (delta velocity) / time
velocity = (delta position) / time

The Attempt at a Solution


initial velocity is 0
final velocity is: (2 - 0) meters / .5 second = 2 meters / .5 seconds= 4 meters per second
acceleration = (4 m/s - 0 m/s) / .5 seconds = 8 meters / second^2
8(m/s^2) * 10 kg = 80 Newtons

Correct?
Are you told to assume a constant force?
 
  • #4
You have not provided the whole question. What exactly are you supposed to find? Minimum energy? Least maximum magnitude force?
As berkeman posted, you seem to have assumed a constant force, but even then your calculation is wrong:
5P@N said:
final velocity is: (2 - 0) meters / .5 second = 2 meters / .5 seconds= 4 meters per second
That calculates the average speed, not the final speed. Check your answer: constant acceleration of 8m/s2 for 0.5 seconds from rest would travel how far?
 
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Likes berkeman
  • #5
What do you all mean when you say: "constant force"?

What would this constant force do? What are its attributes?

.5^2 = .25
.25 *8 = 2
since the object moved 2 meters, this appears correct. Or what am I missing?
 
  • #6
5P@N said:
What do you all mean when you say: "constant force"?

What would this constant force do? What are its attributes?

.5^2 = .25
.25 *8 = 2
since the object moved 2 meters, this appears correct. Or what am I missing?
Review the equation relating time, distance, initial speed, and constant acceleration. You are missing something.

Please state the entire question, exactly as presented to you.
 

Related to How much force and energy for moving a frictionless object

1. How is force and energy related in moving a frictionless object?

The amount of force required to move a frictionless object is directly proportional to the amount of energy required. This means that the greater the force applied, the more energy is needed to move the object.

2. Is there a specific formula for calculating the force and energy needed to move a frictionless object?

Yes, the formula for calculating the force needed to move a frictionless object is F=ma, where F is force, m is mass, and a is acceleration. The formula for calculating the energy needed is E=Fx, where E is energy, F is force, and x is the distance the object is moved.

3. Can a frictionless object be moved without any force or energy?

No, it is impossible to move any object without applying some force and energy. However, a frictionless object will require less force and energy to move compared to an object with friction.

4. How does the absence of friction affect the amount of force and energy needed to move an object?

Friction is a force that opposes motion, so the absence of friction means there is no opposing force to overcome. This results in less force and energy being needed to move a frictionless object compared to an object with friction.

5. Are there any real-life examples of objects that can be considered frictionless?

While it is impossible to have a completely frictionless object in real life, there are examples of objects that have very low friction. These include air hockey pucks, ice skates, and ball bearings.

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