A block is sent up a frictionless ramp along which an x axis extends upward. The figure below gives the kinetic energy of the block as a function of position x; the scale of the figure's vertical axis is set by Ks = 46.0 J. If the block's initial speed is 3.35 m/s, what is the normal force on the block?
1 answer
The normal force on the block is equal to the weight of the block, which can be calculated using the equation F = mg, where m is the mass of the block and g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s2). Therefore, the normal force on the block is equal to m × 9.8 = 46.0 J/3.35 m/s2 = 13.7 N.