Physics Problems – Detailed Solutions
Problem 1: Block Sliding Down Inclined Plane
A block slides down a 150 m inclined plane. Starting from rest, what is the speed of the
block when it reaches the bottom?
Step 1: Use conservation of mechanical energy (no friction assumed):
PE_initial = KE_final
mgh = 0.5 * m * v²
Step 2: Cancel the mass (m) from both sides:
gh = 0.5 * v²
Step 3: Solve for v:
v = sqrt(2gh) = sqrt(2 * 9.8 * 150)
v = sqrt(2940) ≈ 54.22 m/s
**Answer:** Final speed = 54.22 m/s
Problem 2: Block Slides Down Hill with and without Friction
A 10 kg block slides down a 20 m high hill with an angle of 45°. The speed at the bottom is
12 m/s. What is the speed if there was no friction?
Step 1: Calculate initial potential energy (PE):
PE = mgh = 10 * 9.8 * 20 = 1960 J
Step 2: Calculate final kinetic energy (KE):
KE = 0.5 * m * v² = 0.5 * 10 * 12² = 720 J
Step 3: Work done by friction:
W_friction = PE - KE = 1960 - 720 = 1240 J
Step 4: If no friction:
All PE converts to KE: 1960 = 0.5 * 10 * v²
v² = 392, v = sqrt(392) ≈ 19.8 m/s
**Answer:** Speed without friction = 19.8 m/s
Problem 3: Block Slides and Then Moves on Rough Surface
A 10 kg block slides down a 50 m vertical hill and then moves 20 m on a rough surface with
μ = 0.5. Find final velocity.
Step 1: PE at top = mgh = 10 * 9.8 * 50 = 4900 J
Step 2: Work done by friction = μ * m * g * d = 0.5 * 10 * 9.8 * 20 = 980 J
Step 3: Remaining energy = 4900 - 980 = 3920 J
Step 4: KE = 0.5 * m * v² → 3920 = 0.5 * 10 * v²
v² = 784, v = sqrt(784) = 28 m/s
**Answer:** Final velocity = 28 m/s
Problem 4: Skier Slides from 50 m to 10 m Without Friction
A skier slides from a 50 m high hill to a 10 m elevation flat surface. Find the final velocity at
the bottom assuming no friction.
Step 1: Use conservation of energy (no friction):
PE_top = KE_bottom
mgh = 0.5 * m * v² → gh = 0.5 * v²
Step 2: Change in height: h = 50 - 10 = 40 m
Step 3: Solve for v: v = sqrt(2gh) = sqrt(2 * 9.8 * 40)
v = sqrt(784) = 28 m/s
**Answer:** Final speed = 28 m/s
Problem 5: Sled Slides Down Hill Then Stops on Rough Surface
A 200 N sled slides down a 10 m hill (25°). After reaching the flat ground, how far does it
slide before stopping due to friction (μk = 0.04)?
Step 1: Convert weight to mass: W = mg → m = 200 / 9.8 ≈ 20.41 kg
Step 2: Potential energy at top: PE = mgh = 20.41 * 9.8 * 10 = 2000 J
Step 3: All PE becomes KE at bottom: KE = 2000 J
Step 4: Friction force: F_friction = μk * N = 0.04 * 200 = 8 N
Step 5: Work done by friction: W = F * d → 2000 = 8 * d
d = 2000 / 8 = 250 m
**Answer:** Distance slid = 250 m
Problem 6: Roller Coaster at Points B and D
A roller coaster is released from rest at 50 m. Find its speed at Point B (20 m height) and the
height at Point D if its speed is 15 m/s there.
Part A – Speed at Point B:
Step 1: Apply conservation of energy:
mgh_A = mgh_B + 0.5 * m * v² → gh_A - gh_B = 0.5 * v²
v = sqrt(2g(h_A - h_B)) = sqrt(2 * 9.8 * (50 - 20))
v = sqrt(588) ≈ 24.26 m/s
Part B – Height at Point D (given speed = 15 m/s):
Step 2: Total energy at A: E = mgh = m * 9.8 * 50 = 490m
Step 3: KE at D: 0.5 * m * 15² = 112.5m
Step 4: PE at D: PE = Total E - KE = 490m - 112.5m = 377.5m
Step 5: Height = PE / (mg) = 377.5m / 9.8 ≈ 38.52 m
**Answer:** Speed at B = 24.26 m/s; Height at D ≈ 38.52 m
Physics Notes: Kinematics & Motion
Key formulas and principles used across these problems.
1. Acceleration: a = (v_f - v_i) / t
2. Final velocity: v_f = v_i + at
3. Displacement: s = v_i * t + 0.5 * a * t²
4. Energy conservation: PE + KE_initial + Work = KE_final + PE_final
5. Work by friction: W = μk * m * g * d
6. Potential energy: PE = m * g * h
7. Kinetic energy: KE = 0.5 * m * v²
**Answer:** Formulas and motion laws used in solving all problems.
