Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Conservation of Energy
The principle of conservation of energy states that the total energy in a closed system remains constant. In this scenario, the potential energy of the ice at height h is converted into kinetic energy as it slides down the ramp. This relationship allows us to equate the initial potential energy to the final kinetic energy to find the speed of the ice.
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Potential Energy
Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position in a gravitational field. For an object at height h, the potential energy is given by the formula PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height. As the ice block descends, this potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases.
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Kinetic Energy
Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion, defined by the formula KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity. At the bottom of the ramp, all the potential energy has been converted into kinetic energy, allowing us to solve for the speed of the ice. Understanding this relationship is crucial for deriving the expression for the speed at the bottom of the ramp.
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