CHAPTER 8 CONSERVATION OF ENERGY

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All Activities in Section 5, Work and Energy
Section 8-1: Conservative and
Nonconservative Forces
Problem
1. Determine the work done by the frictional force in
moving a block of mass m from point 1 to point 2
over the two paths shown in Fig. 8-26. The
coecient of friction has the constant value over
the surface. (The diagram lies in a horizontal
plane.)
2
(b)
1
(a)
figure 8-26 Problems 1, 2.
Solution
Figure 8-26 is a plane view of the horizontal surface
over which the block is moved, showing the paths
(a) and (b). The force of friction is mg opposite to
the displacement (f dr = fdr), so W
(a)
=
mg( +) = 2mg, and W
(b)
= mg

2
+
2
=

2mg. Since the work done depends on the path,

friction is not a conservative force.
Problem
2. Now take Fig. 8-26 to lie in a vertical plane, and
nd the work done by the gravitational force as an
object moves from point 1 to point 2 over each of
the paths shown.
Solution
Take the origin at point 1 in Fig. 8-26 with the x-axis
horizontal to the right and the y-axis vertical upward.
The gravitational force on an object is constant, F
g
=
mg, while the paths are (a) dr = dy for x = 0 and
0 y , followed by dr = dx for y = and
0 x , and (b) dr = dx + dy =( +)dy,
for 0 y (since x = y along this path). The
work done by gravity (Equation 7-11) is
W
(a)
g
=
_
F
g
dr =
_

0
(mg) dy +
_

0
(mg) dx
= mg
_

0
dy + 0 = mg,
and
W
(b)
g
=
_

0
(mg) ( +)dy = mg
_

0
dy = mg.
Of course, these must be the same because gravity is a
conservative force.
Problem
3. The force in Fig. 8-22a is given by F=F
0
, where
F
0
is a constant. The force in Fig. 8-22b is given by
F=F
0
(x/a), where the origin is taken at the lower
left corner of the box, a is the width of the square
box, and the distance x increases horizontally to the
right. Determine the work done by F on an object
moved counterclockwise around each box, starting
at the lower left corner.
(a) (b)
figure 8-22 Problem 3.
Solution
The path around the square consists of four segments,
each along a side, in the direction of a counterclock-
CHAPTER 8 99
wise circulation. Thus
W =
_
F dr =
_
a
0
F(y = 0) dx +
_
a
0
F(x = a) dy
+
_
0
a
F(y = a) dx +
_
0
a
F(x = 0) dy
(Note that a path parallel to the x-axis from right to
left is represented by dr = dx with x going from a to
0 in the limits of integration, etc.) (a) For F=F
0
,
the expression for the work becomes
W = 0 + F
0
_
a
0
dy + 0 + F
0
_
0
a
dy = F
0
a F
0
a = 0.
(b) For F=F
0
(x/a), the work around the square is
W = 0 + F
0
_
a
a
_
_
a
0
dy + 0 + 0 = F
0
a.
Section 8-2: Potential Energy
Problem
4. Rework Example 8-1, now taking the zero of
potential energy at street level.
Solution
(a) The oce in question is 32 stories above the street
level (the rst oor) where U
1
= 0, so the dierence
in gravitational potential energy is U = U
33
U
1
=
U
33
0 = mgy = (559.8 N)(323.5 m) = 60.4 kJ.
(b) At the fty-ninth oor, U
59
U
1
= (559.8 N)
(583.5 m) = 109 kJ. (c) Street level is the zero of
potential energy, U
1
= 0. Note that the dierences in
potential energy between any two levels are the same
as in Example 8-1, e.g., U
59
U
33
= (109 60.4) kJ =
49.0 kJ.
Problem
5. Find the potential energy of a 70-kg hiker (a) atop
New Hampshires Mount Washington, 1900 m
above sea level, and (b) in Death Valley, California,
86 m below sea level. Take the zero of potential
energy at sea level.
Solution
If we dene the zero of potential energy to be at zero
altitude (y = 0), then U(0) = 0, and Equation 8-3
(for the gravitational potential energy near the surface
of the Earth, |y| 6370 km) gives U(y) U(0) =
U(y) = mg(y 0) = mgy. Therefore, (a) U(1900 m) =
(709.8 N)(1900 m) = 1.30 MJ, and (b) U(86 m) =
(709.8 N)(86 m) = 59.0 kJ.
Problem
6. An incline makes an angle with the horizontal.
Find the gravitational potential energy associated
with a mass m located a distance x measured along
the incline. Take the zero of potential energy at the
bottom of the incline.
Solution
To avoid confusion, let x-y refer to the Earths surface,
and x

-y

refer to the incline. The gravitational

potential energy (g assumed constant, zero at y = 0) is
U = mgy. For a point on the incline, y = x

sin , so
U = mgx

sin .
Problem 6 Solution.
Problem
7. Show using Equation 8-2b that the potential energy
dierence between the ground and a distance h
above the ground is mgh regardless of whether you
choose the y-axis upward or downward.
Solution
Equation 8-2b gives the potential energy dierence
for a constant force in the y direction, U =
U(y
2
) U(y
1
) = F
y
(y
2
y
1
). If you take the y-axis
upward, with the ground at y
1
, the gravitational force
is F
y
= mg, while a point a distance h above ground
is y
2
= h + y
1
. Then U = (mg)h = mgh. On the
other hand, if the y-axis is downward, then F
y
= mg
but y
2
= h + y
1
, so U = (mg)(h) = mgh is the
same.
Problem
8. The top of the volcano Haleakala on Maui, Hawaii,
is 3050 m above sea level and 18 km inland from
the sea. By how much does your gravitational
potential energy change as you come down from the
mountain-top observatory to swim in the ocean?
Assume your mass is 75 kg.
100 CHAPTER 8
Solution
U(sea level) U(mt. top) = mgh = (75 kg)
(9.8 m/s
2
)(3050 m) = 2.24 MJ.
Problem
9. A 1.50-kg brick measures 20.0 cm8.00 cm
5.50 cm. Taking the zero of potential energy when
the brick lies on its broadest face, what is the
potential energy (a) when the brick is standing on
end and (b) when it is balanced on its 8-cm edge,
with its center directly above that edge? Note: You
can treat the brick as though all its mass is
concentrated at its center.
Solution
The center of the brick is a distance y = 10 cm
2.75 cm = 7.25 cm above the zero of potential energy
in position (a), and y =
1
2
_
(20 cm)
2
+ (5.5 cm)
2

2.75 cm = 10.4 cm2.75 cm = 7.62 cm in position

(b) (see sketch; the center is midway along the
diagonal of the face of the brick). From Equation 8-3,
the gravitational potential energy is U
a
= mg y =
(1.59.8 N)(7.25 cm) = 1.07 J and U
b
= (1.5
9.8 N)(7.62 cm) = 1.12 J above the zero energy.
Problem 9 Solution.
Problem
10. A 60-kg hiker ascending 1250-m-high Camels
Hump mountain in Vermont has potential energy
2.410
5
J; the zero of potential energy is taken
at the mountain top. What is her altitude?
Solution
If we measure the altitude from sea level, U(y)
U(1250 m) = mg(y 1250 m) = 2.410
5
J, or
y = 1250 m2.410
5
J/(60 kg)(9.8 m/s
2
) = 842 m.
Problem
11. How much energy can be stored in a spring with
k = 320 N/m if the maximum allowed stretch is
18 cm?
Solution
From Equation 8-4, U =
1
2
kx
2
=
1
2
(320 N/m)
(0.18 m)
2
= 5.18 J is the maximum potential energy of
Problem 10 Solution.
the spring whose stretch is not greater than 18 cm.
Problem
12. A carbon monoxide molecule can be modeled as a
carbon atom and an oxygen atom connected by a
spring. If a displacement of the carbon by
1.610
12
m from its equilibrium position relative
to the oxygen increases the molecules potential
energy by 0.015 eV, what is the spring constant?
Solution
In this model, the zero of potential energy is at the
equilibrium separation for the molecule, so the spring
constant can be calculated from Equation 8-4 and the
energy, k = 2U/x
2
= 2(0.015 eV)(1.610
19
J/eV)
(1.610
12
m)
2
= 1.88 kN/m.
Problem
13. How far would you have to stretch a spring of
spring constant k = 1.4 kN/m until it stored 210 J
of energy?
Solution
Assuming one starts stretching from the unstretched
position (x = 0), Equation 8-4 gives x =
_
2U/k =
_
2(210 J)/(1.4 kN/m) = 54.8 cm.
Problem
14. A more accurate expression for the force law of
the rope in Example 8-3 is F = kx + bx
2
cx
3
,
where k and b have the values given in
Example 8-3, and c = 3.1 N/m
3
. Find the energy
stored in stretching the rope 2.62 m. By what
percentage does your result dier from that of
Example 8-3?
Solution
The more accurate expression for force adds a term

2.62cm
0
(cx
3
)dx =

1
4
cx
4

2.62m
0
=
1
2
(3.1 N/m
3
)
CHAPTER 8 101
(2.62 m)
4
= 36.5 J to the stored potential energy,
which is about 4.9% of the 741 J of potential energy
found in Example 8-3.
Problem
15. The force exerted by an unusual spring when its
compressed a distance x from equilibrium is given
by F = kx cx
3
, where k = 220 N/m, and c =
3.6 kN/m
3
. Find the energy stored in this spring
when its been compressed 15 cm.
Solution
For a one-dimensional force, one can use Equation 8-2a
to nd U(x) U(0) =
15cm
0
(kx cx
3
)dx =

1
2
kx
2
+
1
4
cx
4

15cm
0
=
1
2
(220 N/m)(0.15 m)
2
+
1
4
(3.6 kN/m
3
)(0.15 m)
4
= 2.93 J. Since this energy
could be recaptured from the spring, in the form of
kinetic energy imparted to a mass, for example, it is
referred to as stored energy.
Problem
16. The force on a particle is given by F=A/x
2
,
where A is a positive constant. (a) Find the
potential energy dierence between two points x
1
and x
2
, where x
1
> x
2
. (b) Show that the
potential energy dierence remains nite even
when x
1
.
Solution
(a) U(x
2
) U(x
1
) =
_
x2
x1
A
x
2
dx = A

1
x

x2
x1
=
A
_
1
x
2

1
x
1
_
.
(b) For x
1
, U(x
2
) U() = A/x
2
. In this case,
it makes sense to dene the zero of potential energy at
innity, U() = 0, so U(x) = A/x.
Problem
17. A particle moves along the x-axis under the
inuence of a force F = ax
2
+b, where a and b are
constants. Find its potential energy as a function
of position, taking U = 0 at x = 0.
Solution
Equation 8-2a, with U(0) = 0, gives
U(x) =
_
x
0
F
x
dx

=
_
x
0
(ax

2
+ b)dx

=
1
3
ax
3
bx.
Problem
18. A 3.0-kg sh is hanging from a spring scale whose
spring constant is 240 N/m. (a) What is the
potential energy of the spring? (b) If the sh were
moved slowly upward to the equilibrium position
of the spring, by how much would its gravitational
potential energy change? (c) In case (b), by how
much would the springs potential energy change?
Explain any apparent discrepancies.
Solution
To avoid confusion, call the place where the sh hangs
at rest the equilibrium position (B), and the place
where the spring has its natural length the
unstretched position (A). (a) At equilibrium (B),
kx = mg, so the potential energy of just the spring is
U
s
(B) =
1
2
kx
2
=
1
2
k(mg/k)
2
= 0.5(3 kg9.8 m/s
2
)
2

(240 N/m) = 1.80 J. (b) The change in just the

gravitational potential energy between the equilibrium
and unstretched positions is U
BA
g
= U
g
(A)
U
g
(B) = mgx = mg(mg/k) = 3.60 J. (c) The
corresponding change in the springs potential energy
is U
BA
s
= U
s
(A) U
s
(B) = 0 1.80 J. Although the
change in the total potential energy, U
BA
=
U
BA
g
+ U
BA
s
= 3.60 J 1.80 J = 1.80 J, is not
zero, there is no discrepancy. In order to move the sh
slowly upward, you would have to exert an upward
applied force (F
a
= mg kx) that would do work
W
BA
a
= mgx
1
2
kx
2
= U
BA
, as required by the
work-energy theorem.
Problem
19. The force exerted by a rubber band is given
approximately by
F = F
0
_
+ x

2
( + x)
2
_
,
where is the unstretched length, and F
0
is a
constant. Find the potential energy of the rubber
band as a function of the distance x it is stretched.
Take the zero of potential energy in the
unstretched position.
Solution
Assuming that the direction of F is opposite to the
displacement, we nd:
U =
_
x
0
F dx

=F
0
_
x
0
_
+ x

2
( + x

)
2
_
dx

= F
0

+
x

2
2
+

2
( + x

x
0
102 CHAPTER 8
Problem 18 Solution.
= F
0
_
x +
x
2
2
+

2
( + x)

_
.
(This problem is identical to Problem 7-33. x

is a
dummy variable.)
Section 8-3: Conservation of Mechanical
Energy
Problem
20. A skier starts down a frictionless 32

slope. After
a vertical drop of 25 m, the slope temporarily
levels out, then drops at 20

an additional 38 m
vertically before leveling out again. What is the
skiers speed on the two level stretches?
Solution
Since the slope is frictionless, mechanical energy is
conserved. Thus, K
AB
= U
AB
, or
1
2
mv
2
B
=
mg(y
A
y
B
). Therefore, v
B
=
_
2(9.8 m/s
2
)(25 m) =
22.1 m/s. Repeating for K
AC
= U
AC
, we nd
v
C
=
_
2(9.8 m/s
2
)(63 m) = 35.1 m/s. (We assumed
that the skier started from rest, v
A
= 0. Note that the
exact prole of the slope is irrelevant.)
Problem 20 Solution.
Problem
21. A Navy jet of mass 10,000 kg lands on an aircraft
carrier and snags a cable to slow it down. The
cable is attached to a spring with spring constant
40,000 N/m. If the spring stretches 25 m to stop
the plane, what was the landing speed of the
plane?
Solution
If we assume no change in gravitational potential
energy, K
initial
=
1
2
mv
2
= U
nal
=
1
2
kx
2
, or v =
_
k/m x. Thus, v =
_
(40,000 N/m)/(10,000 kg)
(25 m) = 50 m/s.
Problem
22. A spring of constant k, compressed a distance x, is
used to launch a mass m up a frictionless slope
that makes an angle with the horizontal. Find
an expression for the maximum distance along the
slope that the mass moves after leaving the spring.
Solution
If the slope is frictionless (and there are no other
losses of energy), the total mechanical energy of the
spring and mass is conserved. Initially, K
0
= 0, and
U
0
=
1
2
kx
2
+ mgy
0
(where we neglect the gravitational
potential energy of the spring). Then Equation 8-8
gives U + K =
1
2
kx
2
+ mgy
0
. After the mass has left
the spring, the potential energy is just the
gravitational potential energy of the mass mgy, so
mg(y y
0
) =
1
2
kx
2
K. In terms of the distance, s,
along the slope, y y
0
= (s s
0
) sin . The maximum
distance occurs when the kinetic energy is zero, or
(s s
0
)
max
= kx
2
/2 mg sin .
Problem
23. A 120-g arrow is shot vertically from a bow whose
eective spring constant is 430 N/m. If the bow is
drawn 71 cm before shooting the arrow, to what
height does the arrow rise?
Solution
If we ignore losses in energy due to air resistance etc.,
the mechanical energy of the bow and arrow is the
CHAPTER 8 103
same just before shooting the arrow and when the
arrow is at its maximum height, U
0
+ K
0
= U + K.
Before shooting, K
0
= 0, and U
0
=
1
2
kx
2
+ mgy
0
, the
potential energy of the taut bow plus the gravitational
energy of the arrow at the initial position. At the
maximum height, K = 0 (instantaneously) and
U = mgy
max
. Therefore,
1
2
kx
2
+ mgy
0
= mgy
max
, or
y
max
y
0
= kx
2
/2mg = (430 N/m)(0.71 m)
2

2(0.12 kg)(9.8 m/s

2
) = 92.2 m. (It is assumed that any
change in the gravitational potential energy of the bow
is negligible.)
Problem
24. A child is on a swing whose 3.2-m-long chains
make a maximum angle of 50

with the vertical.

What is the childs maximum speed?
Solution
This is precisely the situation described in
Example 8-6(a). Thus, v =
_
2g(1 cos
0
) =
_
2(9.8 m/s
2
)(3.2 m)(1 cos 50

) = 4.73 m/s.
Problem
25. With x x
0
= h and a = g, Equation 2-11 gives
the speed of an object thrown downward with
initial speed v
0
after it has dropped a distance
h: v =
_
v
2
0
+ 2gh. Use conservation of energy to
derive the same result.
Solution
Gravity is a conservative force, so for free fall near the
Earths surface, U
0
+ K
0
= U + K, or
1
2
mv
2
0
+ mgy
0
=
1
2
mv
2
+mgy. (We neglect the eects of air resistance.)
Here, the y-axis is positive upward, so that the
gravitational potential energy, relative to zero
potential energy at y = 0, has the usual form mgy.
Then the distance dropped is y
0
y = h, instead of
x x
0
= h, and a
y
= g. Canceling m, and
rearranging terms, one recaptures the stated result.
Problem
26. In a switchyard, freight cars start from rest and
roll down a 2.8-m incline and come to rest against
a spring bumper at the end of the track
(Fig. 8-27). If the spring constant is 4.310
6
N/m,
how much is the spring compressed when hit by a
57,000-kg freight car?
Solution
The freight car starts and ends at rest (no kinetic
energy), so if we neglect friction, the work-energy
theorem requires W
net
= K = 0 = W
g
+ W
s
. The
2.8 m
figure 8-27 Problem 26.
work done by gravity is W
g
= mg(2.8 m), and the
work done by the spring force is W
s
=
1
2
kx
2
(the spring force is opposite to the displacement).
Therefore, x =
_
2W
g
/k =
_
2(5.710
4
kg)(9.8 m/s
2
)(2.8 m)/(4.310
6
N/m) =
85.3 cm. (Of course, for conservative forces,
W
g
+ W
s
= (U
g
+ U
s
), and the work-energy
theorem is just the conservation of mechanical energy.)
Problem
27. Two clever kids use a huge spring with k =
890 N/m to launch their toboggan at the top of a
9.5-m-high hill (Fig. 8-28). The mass of kids plus
toboggan is 80 kg. If the kids manage to compress
the spring 2.6 m, (a) what will be their speed at
the bottom of the hill? (b) What fraction of their
nal kinetic energy was initially stored in the
spring? Neglect friction.
figure 8-28 Problem 27.
Solution
If friction is neglected everywhere (in the spring, on
the snow, through the air, etc.), the mechanical energy
of the kids plus toboggan (including potential energy
of gravitation and the spring, as well as kinetic energy)
is conserved: U
top
+ K
top
= U
bot
+ K
bot
. At the top of
the hill, K
top
= 0 (the toboggan starts from rest), and
U
top
= U
top,g
+ U
top,s
= mgy
top
+
1
2
kx
2
, while at the
bottom, K
bot
=
1
2
mv
2
and U
bot
= mgy
bot
(since
U
bot,s
= 0 when the spring is no longer compressed).
(b) Using the given data, we nd K
bot
= mg(y
top

y
bot
) +
1
2
kx
2
= (80 kg)(9.8 m/s
2
)(9.5 m)+
1
2
(890 N/m)(2.6 m)
2
= 7.45 kJ + 3.01 kJ = 10.5 kJ, so
104 CHAPTER 8
U
top,s
/K
bot
= 3.01 kJ/10.5 kJ = 28.8%. (a) The
speed at the bottom is v
bot
=
_
2K
bot
/m =
_
2(10.5 kJ)/(80 kg) = 16.2 m/s.
Problem
28. A 200-g block slides back and forth on a friction-
less surface between two springs, as shown in
Fig. 8-29. The left-hand spring has k = 130 N/m,
and its maximum compression is 16 cm. The
right-hand spring has k = 280 N/m. Find (a) the
maximum compression of the right-hand spring
and (b) the speed of the block as it moves between
the springs.
figure 8-29 Problem 28.
Solution
In the absence of friction and air resistance, the
mechanical energy of the block is conserved. If the
surface is horizontal (no change in U
grav
), then
1
2
k

x
2

=
1
2
k
r
x
2
r
, where x

and x
r
are the maximum
compressions of the left- and right-hand springs,
respectively (at which points the block is
instantaneously at rest). Thus, x
r
= x

_
k

/k
r
=
(16 cm)
_
130/280 = 10.9 cm. (b) At some point
between the springs,
1
2
mv
2
=
1
2
k

x
2

, or v =
x

_
k

/m =
_
(130 N/m)/(0.2 kg)(0.16 m) =
4.08 m/s. (Of course, consideration of the right-hand
spring must give the same result.)
Problem
29. An initial speed of 2.4 km/s (the escape speed)
is required for an object launched from the moon
to get arbitrarily far from the moon. At a mining
operation on the moon, 1000-kg packets of ore are
to be launched to a smelting plant in orbit around
the Earth. If they are launched with a large spring
whose maximum compression is 15 m, what
should be the spring constant of the spring?
Solution
For an ideal spring (without losses),
1
2
ky
2
=
1
2
mv
2
B
+
mgy. (This is Equation 8-7 for points A and B in the
sketch.) Since the gravitational potential energy
change is negligible compared to the other terms, k
m(v
B
/y)
2
= 10
3
kg(2.4 km/s = 15 m)
2
= 25.6 MN/m.
(Note: The surface gravity on the moon is 1.62 m/s
2
,
so the maximum change in potential energy of a
packet is only mgy = 24.3 kJ, while its kinetic energy,
1
2
mv
2
B
= 2.88 GJ, is more than 10
5
times larger.
Likewise, the gravitational potential energy of the
spring is negligible.)
Problem 29 Solution.
Problem
30. A runaway truck lane heads uphill at 30

to the
horizontal. If a 16,000-kg truck goes out of control
and enters the lane going 110 km/h, how far along
the ramp does it go? Neglect friction.
Solution
If we neglect losses in mechanical energy, K =
1
2
mv
2
A
= U = mgy = mg sin30

. Therefore, =
v
2
A
/g = (110 m/3.6 s)
2
/(9.8 m/s
2
) = 95.3 m.
Problem 30 Solution.
Problem
31. A low-damage bumper on a 1400-kg car is
mounted on springs whose total eective spring
constant is 7.010
5
N/m. The springs can undergo
a maximum compression of 16 cm without damage
to the bumper, springs, or car. What is the
maximum speed at which the car can collide with
a stationary object without sustaining damage?
CHAPTER 8 105
Solution
The maximum energy stored by the springs,
1
2
kx
2
,
without incurring damage, is equal to the maximum
kinetic energy,
1
2
mv
2
, of the car before a collision. (We
assume a level road and horizontal collision so that
there is no change in the cars gravitational potential
energy.) Thus,
1
2
kx
2
=
1
2
mv
2
, or v =
_
k/m x =
_
(7.010
5
N/m)/(1400 kg)(0.16 m) = 3.58 m/s =
12.9 km/h.
Problem
32. A block slides on the frictionless loop-the-loop
track shown in Fig. 8-30. What is the minimum
height h at which it can start from rest and still
make it around the loop?
Solution
From the conservation of mechanical energy (no
friction) K
A
+U
A
= K
B
+U
B
, mgy
A
=
1
2
mv
2
B
+mgy
B
,
or v
2
B
= 2g(h 2R). The condition that the block
stay on the track is v
2
B
gR (see the solution to
Problem 68 below), so 2g(h 2R) gR or h 5R/2.
figure 8-30 Problem 32 Solution.
Problem
33. Show that the rope in Example 8-6 can remain
taut all the way to the top of its smaller loop only
if a
2
5
. (Note that the maximum release angle is
90

for the rope to be taut on the way down.)

Solution
For the rope to be taut at the top of the small circle,
the tension must be greater than (or equal to) zero;
T = mv
2
top
/a mg 0, or v
2
top
ga. Therefore, the
mechanical energy at the top is greater than (or equal
to) a corresponding value: E = K + U =
1
2
mv
2
top
+
mg(2a)
1
2
m(ga) + 2mga =
5
2
mga, where the zero
of potential energy is the lowest point (as in
Example 8-6). Since energy is conserved, E = U
0
=
mg(1 cos
0
), where
0
is the release angle (see
Example 8-6 again), so a 2E/5mg =
2
5
(1 cos
0
).
The greatest upper limit for the radius a corresponds
to the maximum release angle, as stated in the
question above, since cos 90

= 0.
Problem
34. The maximum speed of the pendulum bob in a
grandfather clock is 0.55 m/s. If the pendulum
makes a maximum angle of 8.0

with the vertical,

what is the length of the pendulum?
Solution
From Example 8-6(a), v
2
= 2g(1 cos
0
), or =
v
2
/2g(1 cos
0
) = (0.55 m/s)
2
/2(9.8 m/s
2
)
(1 cos 8

) = 1.59 m.
Problem
35. A 2.0-kg mass rests on a frictionless table and is
connected over a frictionless pulley to a 4.0-kg
mass, as shown in Fig. 8-31. Use conservation of
energy to calculate the speed of the masses after
they have moved 50 cm.
2 kg
4 kg
figure 8-31 Problem 35.
Solution
Since friction is absent by assumption, mechanical
energy is conserved, and U
0
+ K
0
= U
1
+ K
1
, where
the subscripts 0 and 1 refer to the initial position
(both masses at rest) and the nal position (after each
has moved 50 cm), respectively. Then U
0
U
1
= K
1
=
(4 kg)(9.8 m/s
2
)(0.5 m) =
1
2
(2 kg + 4 kg)v
2
, since the
potential energy changes only for the falling mass, and
both masses have the same speed. Solving for v, we
nd v = 2.56 m/s. (The kinetic energy of the pulley
was assumed to be negligible.)
Problem
36. The masses shown in Fig. 8-32 are connected by a
massless string over a frictionless, massless pulley
and are released from rest. Use energy conserva-
106 CHAPTER 8
tion to nd (a) the velocity of the 7.0-kg mass just
before it hits the oor, (b) the maximum height
reached by the 4.0-kg mass, and (c) the fraction of
the systems initial mechanical energy lost when
the 7.0-kg mass comes to rest on the oor.
figure 8-32 Problem 36.
Solution
If we ignore possible losses (friction and air resistance)
and the energy of the string and pulley (both assumed
massless), then the total mechanical energy of the
masses is conserved. Each mass has gravitational
potential energy mgy, measured from zero on the oor,
and kinetic energy
1
2
mv
2
. Since the masses are
connected (by a string of presumably xed length),
their velocities have equal magnitudes when both
masses are o the oor. (a) If we take position A
when the 4-kg mass is on the oor at rest, and
position B when the 7-kg mass is about to strike the
oor, then the conservation of energy requires
U
A
+ K
A
= U
B
+ K
B
, or (79.8 N)(5 m) =
1
2
(7 kg)v
2
B
+
1
2
(4 kg)v
2
B
+ (49.8 N)(5 m). Thus,
v
B
=
_
2(39.8 N)(5 m)/(11 kg) = 5.17 m/s.
(b) The 4-kg mass, with an upward velocity of
5.17 m/s, will rise (as a projectile) an additional
v
2
B
/2g = (5.17 m/s)
2
/(29.8 m/s
2
) = 1.36 m to a
maximum height of 5 m + 1.36 m = 6.36 m o the
oor. (Note: the mechanical energy of both masses is
no longer conserved after the 7-kg mass hits the oor,
because a non-conservative contact force acts to stop
it.) (c) The kinetic energy of the 7-kg mass is lost
when it strikes the oor.
1
2
(7 kg)(5.17 m/s)
2
= 93.5 J
is about 27.3% of the initial energy of the system,
which was (79.8 N)(5 m) = 343 J.
Problem
37. A mass m is dropped from a height h above the
top of a spring of constant k that is mounted
vertically on the oor (Fig. 8-33). Show that the
maximum compression of the spring is given by
(mg/k)(1 +
_
1 + 2kh/mg). What is the
signicance of the other root of the quadratic
equation?
Solution
If the maximum compression is y, as shown, and we
measure gravitational potential energy from the lowest
point, B, then the conservation of energy between
point A and B requires that mg(h + y) =
1
2
ky
2
. The
quadratic formula can be used to nd y = (mg/k)
(1
_
1 + 2kh/mg). Only positive values of y are
physically meaningful in this problem, because the
spring is not compressed unless y > 0.
figure 8-33 Problem 37 Solution.
Section 8-4: Potential Energy Curves
Problem
38. A particle slides along the frictionless track shown
in Fig. 8-34, starting at rest from point A. Find
(a) its speed at B, (b) its speed at C, and (c) the
approximate location of its right-hand turning
point.
Solution
The particle has kinetic energy
1
2
mv
2
and
gravitational potential energy mgy (measured above
the reference level y = 0 in Fig. 8-34), so in the
absence of friction, the sum of these is a constant. We
are given that v
A
= 0 and y
A
= 3.8 m, so we can
evaluate the constant and express the mechanical
energy at any other point in terms of it:
CHAPTER 8 107
D
y
x
figure 8-34 Problem 38.
1
2
mv
2
+ mgy = mgy
A
. (a) Solving for the speed at
point B, we nd v
B
=
_
2g(y
A
y
B
) =
_
2(9.8 m/s
2
)(3.8 m2.6 m) = 4.85 m/s.
(b) Similarly, v
C
= 7.00 m/s. (c) The right-hand
turning point is the point D where the particles
velocity is instantaneously zero, before changing
direction back to the left in Fig. 8-34. Thus, y
A
= y
D
,
and from the gure, we estimate that x
D
is about
11 m.
Problem
39. A particle slides back and forth on a frictionless
track whose height as a function of horizontal
position x is given by y = ax
2
, where a =
0.92 m
1
. If the particles maximum speed is
8.5 m/s, nd the turning points of its motion.
Solution
With no friction, the only forces acting are gravity, a
conservative force with potential energy U = mgy
above a reference level at y = 0, and the normal
contact force of the track. Although the latter is
nonconservative, it is always perpendicular to the
displacement along the track (by denition); hence it
does no work on the particle, and the mechanical
energy is conserved:
1
2
mv
2
+ mgy = constant. Since
the height y = ax
2
is given in terms of the horizontal
displacement, we may write
1
2
mv
2
+ mgax
2
=
constant, or v
2
+ 2gax
2
= (a dierent) constant. One
can see that the maximum speed occurs when the
displacement is a minimum (zero, in fact) and
vice-versa. Thus, one can determine the constant
two ways: v
2
+ 2gax
2
= v
2
max
= 2gax
2
max
. The turning
points are the places where the velocity is
instantaneously zero (a minimum) and hence
are given by x
max
=
_
v
2
max
/2ga =

_
(8.5 m/s)
2
/2(9.8 m/s
2
)(0.92 m
1
) = 2.00 m.
(In this case, the particles motion is oscillatory, back
and forth between the turning points, with maximum
speed, either forward or backward, at the middle,
x = 0.)
Problem
40. A particle with total energy 3.5 J is trapped in a
potential well described by U = 7.0 8.0x +1.7x
2
,
where U is in joules and x in meters. Find its
turning points.
Solution
A particle in a one-dimensional potential well, which
conserves mechanical energy, satises Equation 8-7
with total energy E = K + U =
1
2
m(dx/dt)
2
+ U(x).
The turning points are the solutions of this equation
when dx/dt = 0; that is, E = U(x) = 3.5 = 7.0
8.0x + 1.7x
2
(where energy is in joules and
displacement in meters). The quadratic formula gives
x = (1.7)
1
(4.0

10.1) m = 0.488 m and 4.22 m.

Problem
41. The potential energy associated with a
conservative force is shown in Fig. 8-35. Consider
particles with total energies E
1
= 1.5 J, E
2
=
0.5 J, E
3
= 0.5 J, E
4
= 1.5 J, and E
5
= 3.0 J.
Discuss the subsequent motion, including the
approximate location of any turning points, if the
particles are initially at point x = 1 m and moving
in the x direction.
figure 8-35 Problem 41 Solution.
Solution
All the particles start in the left-hand potential well
and reverse direction when they hit the left-most
(innite) potential barrier. The rst four particles
have insucient energy to escape from this well (the
height of the next barrier is about 2.0 J > E
4
) and
experience a second turning point (between x = 2.0 m
and 4.0 m, depending on energy). The fth particles
motion is unbounded.
Problem
42. Make an accurate potential energy curve, covering
the region 8 m < x < 8 m, for potential energy
U = (ax
2
b)e
x
2
/c
2
, where a = 1.5 J/m
2
, b =
5.0 J, and c = 3.0 m. Discuss the subsequent
motion of 1-kg particles starting from the origin
108 CHAPTER 8
and moving initially in the +x direction with total
energies of 3 J, 1 J, and 4 J. Include the location
of any turning points. Determine also the speed of
the highest-energy particle when it is a great
distance from the origin.
Solution
The potential energy is symmetric about x = 0
(U(x) = U(x)), so we need only plot it for positive x.
The zeros of U are at x =
_
b/a = 1.83 m. The
maxima and minimum can be found from the zeros of
the derivative, dU/dx = (2x/c
2
)(b + ac
2
ax
2
)e
x
2
/c
2
,
which are x
min
= 0 and x
max
=
_
c
2
+ b/a =
3.51 m. The corresponding energies are U
min
= b =
5.0 J, and U
max
= ac
2
e
(1+b/ac
2
)
= 3.43 J. We
nally note that U(8 m) = 91 e
7.11
J = 7.4310
2
J.
One can see that the particles with energies less than
U
max
are conned to the well, with turning points on
either side of 1.83 m, respectively. The speed of a
particle is v =
_
2(E U)/m. Since U 0 for
x , the speed of the particle with E = 4 J
approaches
_
2(4 J)/(1 kg) = 2.83 m/s for large x.
Problem 42 Solution.
Problem
43. (a) Derive an expression for the potential energy
of an object subject to a force F
x
= ax bx
3
,
where a = 5 N/m, and b = 2 N/m
3
, taking U = 0
at x = 0. (b) Graph the potential energy curve for
x > 0, and use it to nd the turning points for an
object whose total energy is 1 J.
Solution
(a) The force is conservative (any one-dimensional
force given by an integrable function of position is), so
the potential energy can be found from Equation 8-2a:
U(x
2
) U(x
1
) =
_
x2
x1
(ax bx
3
) dx
=
a
2
(x
2
2
x
2
1
) +
b
4
(x
4
2
x
4
1
).
If we dene the zero of potential energy at x = 0, then
U(x) =
1
2
ax
2
+
1
4
bx
4
. (b) A graph of U(x) for x 0,
when a = 5 N/m, b = 2 N/m
3
and x is in meters, is
shown. (Note that the potential energy is symmetric,
U(x) = U(x), but that only positive displacements
are considered in this problem.) The conservation of
energy can be written in terms of the total energy,
E =
1
2
m(dx/dt)
2
+ U(x), so that dx/dt =

_
2[E U(x)]/m. The maximum speed occurs when
U(x) is a minimum; i.e., dU/dx = 0, and d
2
U/dx
2
> 0.
Taking the derivative, one nds 0 = ax + bx
3
, which
has solutions x = 0 and x =
_
a/b =
_
5/2 m =
1.58 m. The second derivative d
2
U/dx
2
= a + 3bx
2
is negative for x = 0, which is a local maximum, but is
positive for x =
_
a/b, which are minima with
U
min
= U(
_
a/b) = a
2
/4b = (25/8) J = 3.13 J.
There is real physical motion (K 0) for total energy
E U
min
. The turning points (where dx/dt = 0) can
be found from the equation U(x) = E; there are four
solutions (two positive) for energies with U
min
< E <
0, and two solutions (one positive) for E > 0.
Problem 43 Solution.
The equation U(x) E = 0 is equivalent to x
4

2(a/b)x
2
4(E/b) = 0. The quadratic formula gives
x = {(a/b) [(a/b)
2
+ 4(E/b)]
1/2
}
1/2
for U
min
<
E < 0, and x = {(a/b) + [(a/b)
2
+ 4(E/b)]
1/2
}
1/2
for
E > 0. For the particular values given (E = 1 J), the
positive turning points are x =
_
(5

17)/2 m =
0.662 m and 2.14 m, as can be seen in the graph.
Section 8-5: Force and Potential Energy
Note: In the following problems, motion is restricted
to one dimension.
CHAPTER 8 109
Problem
44. Figure 8-36 shows the potential energy curve for a
certain particle. Find the force on the particle at
each of the curve segments shown.
0
1
2
3
1
2
3
U
(
x
)

(
J
)
1 2 4 5 6
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(f )
(e)
x (m)
figure 8-36 Problem 44.
Solution
The force on a particle in one-dimensional motion,
when the potential energy is a straight line segment, is
the negative of the slope of U(x); i.e., F
x
= dU/dx
(Equation 8-8). (This is, of course, just the
conservative force represented by the potential
energy.) From Fig. 8-36, we can determine the
negative of the slopes: (a) 3 J/1.5 m = 2 N; (b) 0;
(c) (4 J/
1
2
m) = 8 N; (d) (1 J/1 m) = 1 N,
(e) 4 N/1 m = 4 N, (f) 0.
Problem
45. A particle is trapped in a potential well described
by U(x) = 2.6x
2
4, where U is in joules, and x is
in meters. Find the force on the particle when its
at (a) x = 2.1 m; (b) x = 0 m; and (c) x = 1.4 m.
Solution
For one-dimensional motion, Equation 8-8 gives the
force F
x
= dU/dx = d/dx(1.6x
2
4) = 2(1.6)x =
3.2x, where F
x
is in newtons for x in meters.
Therefore, (a) F
x
(2.1 m) = (3.2)(2.1) N = 6.72 N
(force in the negative x direction); (b) F
x
(0) = 0;
(c) F
x
(1.4 m) = (3.2)(1.4) N = 4.48 N.
Problem
46. In ionic solids such as NaCl (salt), the potential
energy of a pair of ions takes the form
U = br
n
ar
1
, where r is the separation of the
ions. For NaCl, a and b have the SI values
4.0410
28
and 5.5210
98
, respectively, and
n = 8.22. Find the equilibrium separation between
ions in NaCl.
Solution
At the equilibrium separation, the potential energy is
a minimum, or (dU/dr)
eq
= 0 = nbr
(n+1)
eq
+ ar
2
eq
.
Then r
eq
= (nb/a)
1/(n1)
= (8.225.5210
98

4.0410
28
)
1/7.22
(SI units) = 2.8210
10
m =
2.82

A. (The angstrom is a common non-SI unit of
length, used in chemistry and atomic physics; see
Appendix C.)
Problem
47. The potential energy associated with a certain
conservative force is given by U = bx
2
, where b is
a constant. Show that the force always tends to
accelerate a particle toward the origin if b is
positive and away from the origin if b is negative.
Solution
The conservative force represented by the
one-dimensional potential energy U(x) = bx
2
is given
by Equation 8-8, F
x
= dU/dx = 2bx. x is the
displacement from the origin, so this is towards the
origin for b > 0 and away from the origin for b < 0.
(The former is called a restoring force.)
Problem
48. A more accurate expression for the potential well
in Fig. 8-18 than that provided in Example 8-7 is
U = 286(x x
e
)
2
6.2210
12
(x x
e
)
3
with U in
joules and x in meters. Find the force on the
hydrogen atoms when they are 0.10 nm apart.
Solution
The force along the line joining the hydrogen atoms is
F
x
= dU/dx = 2(286)(x x
e
) + 3(6.2210
12
)
(x x
e
)
2
. For x x
e
= (0.1 0.0741) nm = 2.59
10
11
m, the force is F
x
= (1.48 + 1.25)10
8
N =
2.32 nN. (The direction of the force is toward the
equilibrium separation, x
e
.)
Problem
49. The potential energy of a spring is given by U =
ax
2
bx +c, where a = 5.20 N/m, b = 3.12 N, and
c = 0.468 J, and where x is the overall length of
the spring (not the stretch). Find (a) the
equilibrium length of the spring and (b) the spring
constant.
Solution
(a) The natural, or unstretched, length of the spring is
the value of x for which the spring force is zero. Thus,
F
x
= dU/dx = 2ax + b = 0, when x = b/2a =
(3.12 N)/2(5.2 N/m) = 30 cm. (b) Hookes Law
denes the spring constant in terms of the stretch (in
this case x b/2a). Since F
x
= 2a(x b/2a), the
spring constant is k = 2a = 10.4 N/m. (Alternatively,
k = dF
x
/dx = d
2
U/dx
2
.)
110 CHAPTER 8
Section 8-6: Nonconservative Forces
Problem
50. Repeat Problem 20 for the case when the
coecient of kinetic friction on both slopes is 0.11,
while the level stretches remain frictionless.
Solution
The work done by friction skiing down a straight slope
of length is W
f
= f
k
=
k
N =
k
(mg cos )
(h/ sin) =
k
mghcot , where h = sin is the ver-
tical drop of the slope. The energy principle applied
between the start and the rst level (see Problem 20)
now gives K
AB
+ U
AB
= W
f,AB
, or
1
2
mv
2
B
=
mg(y
A
y
B
)
k
mg(y
A
y
B
) cot 32

. Therefore,
v
B
=
_
2(9.8 m/s
2
)(25 m)(1 0.11 cot 32

) =
20.1 m/s. When we repeat this argument for the
motion between the top and the second level, we must
include all the work done by friction, so
K
AC
+ U
AC
= W
f,AB
+ W
f,BC
. Therefore,
vC =
_
2(9.8 m/s
2
)[63 m (0.11)(25 m) cot 32

(0.11)(38 m) cot 20

]
= 30.4 m/s.
(The alternate expression, K
BC
+ U
BC
= W
f,BC
,
gives the same result,
v
C
=
_
2(9.8 m/s
2
)(38 m)(1 0.11 cot 20

) + (20.1 m/s)
2
.)
Problem
51. A basketball dropped from a height of 2.40 m
rebounds to a maximum height of 1.55 m. What
fraction of the balls initial energy is lost to
nonconservative forces? Take the zero of potential
energy at the oor.
Solution
The energy principle in the form of Equation 8-5 is
W
nc
= K + U. Since v = 0 where the ball is
dropped (point A) and at the maximum of its rebound
(point B), one has W
nc
= U
AB
= mg(y
B
y
A
). This
is a loss of energy since y
B
< y
A
. The initial energy was
just mgy
A
, relative to zero of potential energy on the
oor at y = 0, so the fraction lost is mg |y
B
y
A
|
mgy
A
= 1 y
B
/y
A
= 1 1.55/2.40 = 35.4%. (The
words loss and lost replace the minus sign in the
energy change; i.e., a 35% loss equals a change
of 35%.)
Problem
52. A 1.5-kg block is launched up a 30

incline with
an initial speed of 6.4 m/s. It comes to a halt after
moving 3.4 m along the incline, as shown in
Fig. 8-37. Find (a) the change in the blocks
kinetic energy; (b) the change in the blocks
potential energy; (c) the work done by friction;
(d) the coecient of kinetic friction.
figure 8-37 Problem 52.
Solution
Let the initial and nal positions of the block in
Fig. 8-37 be denoted by points A and B, (a) K
AB
=
1
2
m(v
2
B
v
2
A
) =
1
2
(1.5 kg)(0 (6.4 m/s)
2
) = 30.7 J.
(b) U
AB
= mg(y
B
y
A
) = (1.5 kg)(9.8 m/s
2
)
(3.4 m) sin 30

= 25.0 J. (c) From Equation 8-5,

W
f,AB
= K
AB
+ U
AB
= 5.73 J. (d) The force of
friction on the incline is f
K
=
K
N =
K
mg cos 30

opposite to the direction of motion, so the work done

by friction is W
f,AB
= f
k
=
K
mg cos 30

. Thus

K
= W
f,AB
/mg cos 30

= 5.73 J/(1.5 kg)

(9.8 m/s
2
)(3.4 m) cos 30

= 0.13.
Problem
53. A pumped-storage reservoir sits 140 m above its
generating station and holds 8.510
9
kg of water.
The power plant generates 330 MW of electric
power while draining the reservoir over an
8.0-hour period. What fraction of the initial
potential energy is lost to nonconservative forces
(i.e., does not emerge as electricity)?
Solution
If all the water fell through the same dierence in
height, the amount of gravitational potential energy
released would be U = mgy = (8.510
9
kg)
(9.8 m/s
2
)(140 m) = 1.1710
13
J. The energy
generated by the power plant at an average power
output of 330 MW over an 8 h period is (330 MW)
(83600 s) = 9.5010
12
J, so the fraction lost is
(11.7 9.50)/11.7 = 18.5%.
CHAPTER 8 111
Problem
54. A spring of constant k = 340 N/m is used to
launch a 1.5-kg block along a horizontal surface
whose coecient of sliding fraction is 0.27. If the
spring is compressed 18 cm, how far does the
block slide?
Solution
Suppose the block comes to rest at B, a distance
from its initial position at rest against the compressed
spring at A. Applying Equation 8-5, we nd W
nc
=

k
mg = K + U = U
A
s
=
1
2
kx
2
, since the
kinetic energies at A and B and the change in
gravitational potential energy are zero. Therefore,
=
1
2
kx
2
/
k
mg = 0.5(340 N/m)(0.18 m)
2
/(0.27)
(1.5 kg)(9.8 m/s
2
) = 1.39 m.
Problem 54 Solution.
Problem
55. A 2.5-kg block strikes a horizontal spring at a
speed of 1.8 m/s, as shown in Fig. 8-38. The
spring constant is 100 N/m. If the maximum
compression of the spring is 21 cm, what is the
coecient of friction between the block and the
surface on which it is sliding?
1.8 m/s
figure 8-38 Problem 55.
Solution
The nal kinetic energy, the initial potential energy of
the spring, and the change in the gravitational
potential energy are all zero. Therefore, W
nc
=

K
mgx = K + U =
1
2
mv
2
0
+
1
2
kx
2
=
0.5[(100 N/m)(0.21 m)
2
(2.5 kg)(1.8 m/s)
2
] = 1.85 J,
or
k
= (1.85 J)/(2.5 kg)(9.8 m/s
2
)(0.21 m) = 0.36.
Problem
56. A meteorite strikes Earth and embeds itself 1.7 m
into the ground. Scientists dig up the meteorite
and nd that its mass is 400 g; they estimate that
the ground exerted a retarding force of 10
6
N on
the meteorite. Estimate the impact speed of the
meteorite.
Solution
The average 10
6
N non-conservative frictional
retarding force acts over a distance of 1.7 m opposite
to the direction of penetration in stopping the
meteorite. If we neglect the (small) change in potential
energy during the penetration the work-energy
theorem gives W
nc
= (10
6
N)(1.7 m) = K + U
K = 0
1
2
mv
2
i
=
1
2
(0.4 kg)v
2
i
, or v
i
= 2.92 km/s.
Problem
57. A surface is frictionless except for a region between
x = 1 m, and x = 2 m, where the coecient of
friction is given by = ax
2
+ bx + c, with
a = 2 m
2
, b = 6 m
1
, and c = 4. A block is
sliding in the x direction when it encounters this
region. What is the minimum speed it must have
to get all the way across the region?
Solution
Assume that the surface is horizontal, so that there are
no changes in the blocks potential energy (U = 0)
and the force of friction on it is f
k
=
k
N =
k
mg
(opposite to the direction of motion along the x-axis).
If the block crosses the entire region from x
1
= 1 m to
x
2
= 2 m, the work-energy theorem demands that
W
nc
=
_
x2
x1

k
mg dx = K =
1
2
m(v
2
2
v
2
1
)
or
v
2
1
v
2
2
= 2g
_
x2
x1
(ax
2
+ bx + c)dx
= 2g

a
3
x
3
+
b
2
x
2
+ cx

2m
1m
= 6.53 m
2
/s
2
.
(The given values of a, b, and c were used.) The
minimum speed at the start of the region is the value
of v
1
when v
2
= 0, or v
1,min
=
_
6.53 m
2
/s
2
=
2.56 m/s.
Problem
58. A biologist uses a spring-loaded dart gun to shoot
a 50-g tranquilizing dart into an elephant 21 m
away. The guns spring has spring constant
k = 690 N/m and is pulled back 14 cm to launch
the dart. The dart embeds itself 2.2 cm in the
elephant. (a) What is the average stopping force
exerted on the dart by the elephants esh?
(b) How long does it take the dart to reach the
112 CHAPTER 8
elephant? Assume the darts trajectory is nearly
horizontal.
Solution
(a) Assume that there is no change in the
gravitational potential energy of the dart, and that
the stopping force is the only non-negligible,
non-conservative force. Then W
nc
= F(2.2 cm) =
U + K =
1
2
kx
2
=
1
2
(690 N/m)(0.14 m)
2
, or
F = 307 N. (b) The (horizontal) speed of the
dart as it leaves the spring is v =
_
kx
2
/m =
_
(690 N/m)(0.14 m)
2
/(0.05 kg) = 16.4 m/s, so the
time it takes to travel 21 m (horizontally) is
approximately t = d/v = 21 m/(16.4 m/s) = 1.28 s.
Problem
59. A skier starts from rest at the top of the left-hand
peak in Fig. 8-39. What is the maximum
coecient of kinetic friction on the slopes that
would allow the skier to coast to the second peak?
(Your answer, of course, neglects air resistance.)
figure 8-39 Problem 59 Solution.
Solution
Assume that the maximal frictional force of the slopes
and gravity are the only signicant forces acting on
the skier, who starts from rest on the higher peak
(point A) and nishes at rest just reaching the lower
peak (point B). Then the work-energy theorem
requires that W
f
= U = mg(y
B
y
A
). The force of
friction on each slope is f
k
=
max
k
mg cos , and the
displacement along each slope is = y/ sin (measured
from the bottom of both slopes), so that work done by
friction on each slope is f
k
= (
max
k
mg cos )
(y/ sin) =
max
k
mgy cot . Then the work-energy
theorem becomes mg(y
A
y
B
) =
max
k
mg
(y
A
cot
A
+ y
B
cot
B
), from which
max
k
can be
determined:
max
k
= (950 840)/(950 cot 27

+
840 cot 35

) = 0.036.
Problem
60. A bug slides back and forth in a hemispherical
bowl of 11 cm radius, starting from rest at the
top, as shown in Fig. 8-40. The bowl is frictionless
except for a 1.5-cm-wide sticky patch at the
bottom, where the coecient of friction is 0.61.
How many times does the bug cross the sticky
region?
1
1

c
m
1.5 cm
figure 8-40 Problem 60.
Solution
Each time it crosses the sticky patch, the bug loses
energy E = W
nc
=
k
mg (1.5 cm). The initial
energy of the bug is E
0
= mg(11 cm) (measured above
the bottom). Since E
0
/ |E| = (11 cm)/(0.61)
(1.5 cm) = 12.02, the bug will just barely complete
twelve crossings.
Problem
61. A 190-g block is launched by compressing a spring
of constant k = 200 N/m a distance of 15 cm. The
spring is mounted horizontally, and the surface
directly under it is frictionless. But beyond the
equilibrium position of the spring end, the surface
has coecient of friction = 0.27. This frictional
surface extends 85 cm, followed by a frictionless
curved rise, as shown in Fig. 8-41. After launch,
where does the block nally come to rest?
Measure from the left end of the frictional zone.
Solution
The energy of the block when it rst encounters
friction (at point O) is K
0
=
1
2
(200 N/m)(0.15 m)
2
=
2.25 J, if we take the zero of gravitational potential
energy at that level. Crossing the frictional zone, the
block loses energy E = W
nc
=
k
mg = (0.27)
(0.19 kg)(9.8 m/s
2
)(0.85 m) = 0.427 J. Since
K
0
/ |E| = 5.27, ve complete crossings are made,
leaving the block with energy K
0
5 |E| = 0.113 J
on the curved rise side. This remaining energy is
sucient to move the block a distance s = 0.113 J

k
mg = 22.5 cm towards point O, so the block comes
to rest 85 22.5 = 62.5 cm to the right of point O.
Section 8-7: Conservation of Energy and
Mass-Energy
Problem
62. Two deuterium nuclei fuse to form a helium
nucleus. Each deuterium has mass 3.344
CHAPTER 8 113
figure 8-41 Problem 61 Solution.
10
27
kg, and the helium has mass
6.64510
27
kg. Find the energy released in this
reaction.
Solution
The dierence in mass between two deuterium nuclei
and one helium nucleus is converted to energy,
according to Einsteins equation: E = mc
2
=
(23.344 6.645)10
27
kg(310
8
m/s)
2
=
3.8710
12
J.
Problem
63. A hypothetical power plant converts matter
entirely into electrical energy. Each year, a worker
at the plant buys a box of 1-g raisins, and each
day drops one raisin into the plants energy
conversion unit. Estimate the average power
output of the plant, and compare with a 500-MW
coal-burning plant that consumes a 100-car
trainload of coal every 3 days.
Solution
The energy equivalent of 1 g of mass is mc
2
, so
the power generated in one day is (10
3
kg)
(310
8
m/s)
2
/(86,400 s) = 1.04 GW, or approximately
twice the output of a 500-MW coal-burning plant.
Thus, the mass-energy of one raisin is equivalent to
the chemical energy (times the overall eciency)
released by burning 67 car-loads of coal.
Problem
64. The Suns total power output is 3.8510
26
W.
What is the associated rate at which the Sun loses
mass?
Solution
With the use of Einsteins equation, the power output
of the Sun is found to be equivalent to a mass loss of
dm/dt = d(E/c
2
)/dt = P/c
2
= (3.8510
26
J/s)
(310
8
m/s)
2
= 4.2810
9
kg/s. (This is only about
710
14
solar masses per year.)
Paired Problems
Problem
65. A block slides down a frictionless incline that
terminates in a ramp pointing up at a 45

angle,
as shown in Fig. 8-42. Find an expression for the
horizontal range x shown in the gure, as a
function of the heights h
1
and h
2
shown.
Solution
After leaving the ramp (at point 2), with speed v
2
at
45

to the horizontal, the block describes projectile

motion with a horizontal range of x = v
2
2
/g (see
Equation 4-10). Since the track is frictionless (and the
normal force does no work), the mechanical energy of
the block (kinetic plus gravitational potential) is
conserved between point 2 and its start from rest at
point 1. Then K =
1
2
mv
2
2
0 = U =
mg(h
1
h
2
), and x = 2(h
1
h
2
).
figure 8-42 Problem 65 Solution.
Problem
66. A block of mass m is launched horizontally from a
compressed spring on a frictionless track that
turns upward at a 45

angle, as shown in Fig. 8-43.

Find an expression for the horizontal range x
shown in the gure, as a function of the distance d
by which the spring is initially compressed, the
spring constant k, and the height h of the ramp.
figure 8-43 Problem 66 Solution.
Solution
The comments made in the solution to the previous
problem hold here also, so x = v
2
2
/g, where point 2 is
the end of the ramp. Now there is potential energy of
the spring as well as gravity. If point 1 is taken to be
114 CHAPTER 8
the blocks position at maximum compression of the
spring, then K =
1
2
mv
2
2
0 = U =
1
2
kd
2
mgh.
Thus x = (kd
2
/mg) 2h.
Problem
67. A ball of mass m is being whirled around on a
string of length R in a vertical circle; the string
does no work on the ball. (a) Show from force
considerations that the speed at the top of the
circle must be at least

Rg if the string is to
remain taut. (b) Show that, as long as the string
remains taut, the speed at the bottom of the circle
can be no more than

5 times the speed at the

top.
Solution
(a) At the top of the circle, the forces acting on the
mass are gravity and the string tension, both
downward and parallel to the centripetal acceleration.
Thus T + mg = mv
2
top
/R. Since T
top
0 if the string
is taut, v
2
top
gR. (See Example 6-8.) (b) The
mechanical energy of the mass is conserved, since the
tension does no work (by assumption), gravity is
conservative, and air resistance is ignored. Thus
U
top
+ K
top
= U
bot
+ K
bot
=
1
2
mv
2
top
+ mgy
top
=
1
2
mv
2
bot
+ mgy
bot
, or v
2
bot
= v
2
top
+ 2g(y
top
y
bot
) =
v
2
top
+ 4gR (since y
top
y
bot
is the diameter of the
circle). The result of part (a) then leads to
v
2
bot
v
2
top
+ 4v
2
top
= 5v
2
top
, equivalent to the assertion
in the problem.
Problem
68. An 840-kg roller-coaster car is launched from a
giant spring of constant k = 31 kN/m into a
frictionless loop-the-loop track of radius 6.2 m, as
shown in Fig. 8-44. What is the minimum amount
that the spring must be compressed if the car is to
stay on the track?
Solution
If the car stays on the track, the radial component of
its acceleration is v
2
/R, and the normal force is
greater than zero. Thus, N = mv
2
/R + mg cos 0,
or v
2
gRcos . Now cos has its maximum value
at the top of the loop ( = 180

), so v
2
B
gR is the
condition for the car to stay on the track all the way
around. In the absence of friction, the conservation of
mechanical energy requires K
A
+ U
A
= K
B
+ U
B
, or
0 +
1
2
kx
2
+ mgy
A
=
1
2
mv
2
B
+ mgy
B
. Therefore, x
2
=
(m/k)(v
2
B
+ 2g(y
B
y
A
)) (m/k)(gR + 2g(2R)) =
5mgR/k, or x [5(840 kg)(9.8 m/s
2
)(6.2 m)
(31,000 N/m)]
1/2
= 2.87 m.
figure 8-44 Problem 68 Solution.
Problem
69. A pendulum consisting of a mass m on a string of
length is pulled back so the string is horizontal,
as shown in Fig. 8-45. The pendulum is then
released. Find (a) the speed of the mass and
(b) the magnitude of string tension when the
string makes a 45

angle with the horizontal.

figure 8-45 Problem 69 Solution.
Solution
(a) We assume that the mechanical energy of the
pendulum mass is conserved (neglect possible losses),
and that this consists of kinetic and gravitational
potential energy. At point 1 where the mass is
released, U
1
= mgy
1
and K
1
= 0, while after a 45

swing to point 2, U
2
= mgy
2
, and K
2
=
1
2
mv
2
2
. Energy
conservation implies K
2
= U
1
U
2
, or v
2
2
=
2g(y
1
y
2
) = 2g sin45

2g, where we used the

trigonometry apparent in Fig. 8-45 to express the
dierence in height in terms of the length of the string
and angle of swing. (b) The string tension is in the
direction of the centripetal acceleration (also shown in
Fig. 8-45 at point 2), so the radial component of
Newtons second law gives T
2
mg sin45

= mv
2
2
/.
Using the result of part (a), we nd T
2
= (mv
2
2
/) +
CHAPTER 8 115
mg sin 45

= (m

2g/) + (mg/

2) = 3mg/

2.
Problem
70. A particle of mass m slides down a frictionless
quarter-circular track of radius R as shown in
Fig. 8-46. If it starts from rest at the top of the
track, nd (a) its speed and (b) the magnitude of
the normal force exerted by the track when the
radius vector from the center of the track to the
particle makes a 45

angle, as shown.
figure 8-46 Problem 70.
Solution
The forces, initial conditions, and trajectory of the
particle in this problem are completely analogous to
those in the previous problem, as can be seen from a
comparison of Figures 8-45 and 46. The answers are
also analogous, with N replacing T and R replacing .
Problem
71. A particle slides back and forth in a frictionless
bowl whose height is given by h(x) = 0.18x
2
,
where x and h are both in meters. If the particles
maximum speed is 47 cm/s, nd the x coordinates
of its turning points.
Solution
This situation is exactly similar to that in Problem 39,
where the energy principle led to
1
2
mv
2
max
= mgh
max
=
mg(0.18/m)x
2
max
. Thus, the turning points occur at
x
max
=
_
(0.47 m/s)
2
/2(9.8 m/s
2
)(0.18/m) =
25.0 cm.
Problem
72. A 1-kg particle slides on a frictionless track whose
height is given by y = ax
4
bx
2
, where
a = 1 m
3
, and b = 4 m
1
. The particles total
energy is 20 J, where the zero of potential energy
is at y = 0. Find the turning points of its motion.
Solution
At the turning points, the kinetic energy is
(instantaneously) zero, so the energy principle (with
gravitational potential energy U zero at y = 0 and
W
nc
= 0 for the normal force of the track) gives
E = 20 J = mgy
max
= mg(ax
4
max
bx
2
max
). The
quadratic formula (positive solution for x
2
max
) yields
x
2
max
= (b +
_
b
2
+ 4aE/mg)/2a = 4.46 m
2
, so
x
max
= 2.11 m.
Problem
73. A child sleds down a frictionless hill whose vertical
drop is 7.2 m. At the bottom is a level but rough
stretch where the coecient of kinetic friction is
0.51. How far does she slide across the level
stretch?
Solution
The child starts near the hilltop with K
A
= 0 and
stops on rough level ground, K
B
= 0, after falling
through a potential energy dierence U = U
B

U
A
= mg(y
A
y
B
), where y
A
y
B
= 7.2 m. The
work done by friction (on level ground, N = mg) is
W
nc
= f
k
x =
k
mgx, where x is the distance slid
across the rough level stretch. The energy principle,
Equation 8-5, relates these quantities: W
nc
=

k
mgx = K + U = 0 mg(y
A
y
B
). Thus
x = (y
A
y
B
)/
k
= 7.2 m/0.51 = 14.1 m.
Problem
74. At the bottom of a frictionless ski slope is a
20-m-wide stretch of rough snow where the
coecient of friction is 0.32. From what vertical
height on the slope should a skier start at rest, in
order to get through the rough patch and come
out of it with a speed of 6.0 m/s?
Solution
This situation is similar to the previous problem (if
the rough stretch is still level) but with K
B
=
1
2
mv
2
B
and v
B
= 6.0 m/s. Thus W
nc
=
k
mgx =
1
2
mv
2
B

mg(y
A
y
B
), or y
A
y
B
= (v
2
B
/2g) +
k
x =
(6 m/s)
2
/(19.6 m/s
2
) + (0.32)(20 m) = 8.24 m.
Supplementary Problems
Problem
75. A uranium nucleus has a radius of 1.4310
10
m.
An alpha particle (mass 6.710
27
kg) leaves the
116 CHAPTER 8
surface of the nucleus with negligible speed,
subject to a repulsive force whose magnitude is
F = A/x
2
, where A = 4.110
26
Nm
2
, and where
x is the distance from the alpha particle to the
center of the nucleus. What is the speed of the
alpha particle when it is (a) 4 nuclear radii from
the nucleus; (b) 100 nuclear radii from the
nucleus; (c) very far from the nucleus (x )?
Solution
In Problem 16 above, we found the potential energy
dierence for a repulsive inverse square force,
U(x
2
) U(x
1
) =
_
x2
x1
A
x
2
dx = A

1
x

x2
x1
= A
_
1
x
2

1
x
1
_
,
for x
2
< x
1
. If the kinetic energy of an alpha particle
at the nuclear surface is zero, K
2
= 0, then its kinetic
energy at some other point is K
1
= U
2
U
1
.
Therefore, its speed is
v
1
=
_
2K
1
m
=

2A
mx
2
_
1
x
2
x
1
_
=
_
2(4.110
26
Nm
2
)
(6.710
27
kg)(1.4310
10
m)
_
1
x
2
x
1
__
1/2
= (2.9310
5
m/s)
_
1 x
2
/x
1
,
where x
2
is the nuclear radius. (a) If x
1
= 4x
2
, v
1
=
2.5310
5
m/s, and (b) if x
1
= 100x
2
, v
1
= 2.91
10
5
m/s. (c) Evidently, 2.9310
5
m/s = v
1
for
x
1
.
Problem
76. A mass m is attached to a spring of constant k
that is hanging from the ceiling. (a) Taking the
zero of potential energy with the spring in its
normal unstretched position, derive an expression
for the total potential energy (gravitational plus
spring) as a function of distance y taken as positive
downward. (b) Find the point where the potential
energy is a minimum, and explain its signicance.
(c) Find a second point where the total potential
energy is zero. Discuss its signicance in terms of
an experiment where you attach the mass to the
unstretched spring and let go.
Solution
(a) The elastic potential energy of the spring is
1
2
ky
2
,
and the gravitational potential energy, relative to the
unstretched height, is mgy. The total potential
energy is U(y) =
1
2
ky
2
mgy. (b) The minimum of
U(y) is found by setting its derivative equal to zero,
dU/dy = ky mg = 0, or y
0
= mg/k. Since F
y
=
dU/dy, y
0
is the position of equilibrium. (c) The
zeros of U(y) are y = 0 and y = 2mg/k = 2y
0
. If the
mass is released from y = 0 at rest (K
0
= 0), the total
energy is E = 0, and the zeros of U(y) are the turning
points of the motion.
Problem 76 (1) Solution.
Problem 76 (2) Solution.
Problem
77. With the brick of Problem 9 standing on end,
what is the minimum energy that can be given the
brick to make it fall over?
Solution
To fall over, the center of the brick must lie to the
right of the vertical through its 8-cm edge, as shown.
The potential energy of the brick would have to be
increased by U
b
U
a
= mg(y
b
y
a
). If we assume that
energy is conserved between a and b, this is equal to
the minimum kinetic energy sought (K
a
K
b
= U
b

U
a
= K
min
a
, if K
b
0). The numerical value is just the
dierence between the answers to Problems 9(b) and
9(a), but recalculating, we nd mg(y
b
y
a
) =
(1.5 kg)(9.8 m/s
2
)
1
2
[
_
(20 cm)
2
+ (5.5 cm)
2
20 cm] =
54.6 mJ.
CHAPTER 8 117
Problem 77 Solution.
Problem
78. A bug lands on top of the frictionless, spherical
head of a bald man. It begins to slide down
the head (Fig. 8-47). Show that the bug leaves the
head when it has dropped a vertical distance
one-third the radius of the head.
figure 8-47 Problem 78.
Solution
The conservation of mechanical energy between points
O and P requires K
0
+U
0
= K +U, or mgR =
1
2
mv
2
+
mgy (since the bug starts from rest). Thus, v
2
= 2g
(R y) = 2gd. The bug leaves the surface when the
normal force has decreased to zero. From the radial
component of Newtons second law, mg cos N =
mv
2
/R, so this occurs when N = mg cos mv
2
/R =
0, or v
2
= gRcos = gy = g(R d). Combining these
results, we nd v
2
= 2gd = g(R d), or d =
1
3
R.
Problem
79. Together, the springs in a 1200-kg car have an
eective spring constant of 110,000 N/m and can
compress a maximum distance of 40 cm. What is
Problem 78 Solution.
the maximum abrupt drop in road level (Fig. 8-48)
that the car can tolerate without bottoming
outthat is, without its springs reaching
maximum compression? Assume the car is driving
fast enough that it becomes temporarily airborne.
h
figure 8-48 Problem 79.
Solution
Let us neglect any possible losses in energy and
assume that the kinetic energy associated with the
cars horizontal motion is unchanged by the drop.
Then the energy principle implies that U
grav
(A) =
U
grav
(B) +U
spr
(B), where A is a point before the drop
in the road, and B is the point after the drop where
the springs are maximally compressed (the kinetic
energy associated with the cars vertical motion on its
springs is instantaneously zero at B). Thus, U
grav
(A)
U
grav
(B) = mgh = U
spr
(B) =
1
2
kx
2
, or h =
(110,000 N/m)(0.4 m)
2
/2(12009.8 N) = 74.8 cm.
Problem
80. Show that the rope in Example 8-6 will cease to
be taut when the rope has caught on the rock and
makes an angle
= cos
1
_
2
3a
_
cos
0
+
a

1
_
_
with the vertical. Show that your answer is
consistent with that of Problem 33.
118 CHAPTER 8
Solution
The condition for the rope to be taut going around the
rock (at
1
in Fig. 8-13) is 0 T = mg cos
1
+ mv
2
1
/a
(this follows from the radial component of Newtons
second law), or v
2
1
ga cos
1
. The conservation of
energy requires that K
0
+ U
0
= U
0
= K
1
+ U
1
, or
mg(1 cos
0
) =
1
2
mv
2
1
+ mga(1 cos
1
) (as in
Example 8-6). When these results are combined,
v
2
1
= 2g(1 cos
0
) 2ga(1 cos
1
) ga cos
1
, or
cos
1
(2/3a)(cos
0
1 +a/), which is the limiting
value stated. If
0
= 90

anda =
2
5
, then
1
= cos
1

[
2
3

5
2
(0 1 +
2
5
)] = cos
1
(1) = 180

; i.e., the rope is

taut at the top of the small circle.
Problem
81. An electron with kinetic energy 0.85 fJ enters a
region where its potential energy as a function of
position is U = ax
2
bx, where a = 2.7 fJ/cm
2
and b = 4.2 fJ/cm. (a) How far into the region
does the electron penetrate? (b) At what position
does the electron have its maximum speed?
(c) what is this maximum speed?
Solution
(a) The electrons total energy, E = 0.85 fJ, equals its
initial kinetic energy upon entering the region at x =
0. At any other point in the region x 0, E = K + U,
so the point of maximum penetration (the turning
point) can be found from the equation K(x
m
) = E
U(x
m
) = 0. Therefore, ax
2
m
bx
m
0.85 fJ = 0, or
x
m
= [4.2 +
_
(4.2)
2
+ 4(2.7)(0.85)]/2(2.7) = 1.74 cm.
(The negative root can be discarded since x 0.)
(b) The maximum kinetic energy occurs at the point
where U is a minimum; that is, dU/dx = 2ax
0
b = 0,
or x
0
= b/2a = 0.778 cm. (c) v
max
=
_
2K
max
/m
e
=
_
2(E U
min
)/m
e
. Now, U
min
= x
0
(ax
0
b) =
b
2
/4a = (4.2 fJ/cm)
2
/4(2.7 fJ/cm
2
) = 1.63 fJ, so
that v
max
=
_
2(0.85 + 1.63) fJ/(9.1110
31
kg) =
7.3810
7
m/s.
Problem 81 Solution.
Problem
82. A particle of mass m is subject to a force F=
(a

x), where a is a constant. The particle is

initially at rest at the origin, and is given a slight
nudge in the positive x direction. Find an
expression for the particles speed as a function of
position x.
Solution
The force is conservative, so K
0
+ U
0
= K + U, where
the subscript 0 refers to the origin, and K
0
= 0. The
potential energy dierence is U U
0
=
x
0
a

dx

=
2
3
ax
3/2
, so the speed for points x 0, from the
kinetic energy, is v =
_
2K/m =
_
2(U
0
U)/m =
2(a/3m)
1/2
x
3/4
.
Problem
83. (a) Repeat the previous problem for the case of a
force F=(ax bx
3
), where a and b are positive
constants. (b) What is the signicance of the
negative square root that can occur for some
values of x? (c) Find an expression for the
particles maximum speed.
Solution
(a) With the same reasoning in the previous problems
solution (i.e., conservation of energy K
0
+U
0
= K +U,
with K
0
= 0 at x = 0), U U
0
=
x
0
(ax

bx

3
)dx

=
(x
2
/2)(a bx
2
/2) = K =
1
2
mv
2
, or v =
_
(x
2
/m)(a bx
2
/2). (b) The total energy of the
particle is E = U
0
, so the particle is conned to the
region where U(x) E. (This is the same as the
condition K 0.) U(x) = E when x =
_
2a/b,
which are the turning points of the motion. Values of
position with |x| >
_
2a/b are forbidden, classically.
(c) The maximum speed occurs at the minimum of
potential energy. dU/dx = bx
3
ax = 0 has roots at
x = 0 and x =
_
a/b. The former is a maximum and
the latter are minima of U. Substitution into the
expression for the speed yields v
max
=
_
(a/bm)(a ba/2b) = a/

2bm.
Problem
84. A 17-m-long vine hangs vertically from a tree on
one side of a 10-m-wide gorge, as shown in
Fig. 8-49. Tarzan runs up, hoping to grab the
vine, swing over the gorge, and drop vertically o
the vine to land on the other side. At what
minimum speed must he be running?
Solution
If we consider Tarzan as a simple pendulum, we may
apply the reasoning of Example 8-6(a) to nd his
CHAPTER 8 119
speed at the bottom of his swing in terms of the
maximum angle
0
. The value of
0
, which puts
Tarzan vertically over the opposite rim of the gorge, is
found from the condition sin
0
= 10 m, or
0
=
sin
1
(10/17) = 36.0

. Then
1
2
mv
2
= mg(1 cos
0
)
implies v =
_
2(9.8 m/s
2
)(17 m)(1 cos 36.0

) =
7.98 m/s.
figure 8-49 Problem 84 Solution.
Problem
85. A force points in the x direction with magnitude
given by F = ax
b
, where a and b are constants.
Evaluate the potential energy as a function of
position, taking U = 0 at some point x
0
> 0. Use
your result to show that an object of mass m
released at x = will reach x
0
with nite velocity
provided b < 1. Find the velocity for this case.
Solution
For one-dimensional motion, Equation 8-2a for the
potential energy yields
U(x) =
_
x
x0
F
x
dx =
_
x
x0
(ax
b
)dx
= a(b + 1)
1
(x
b+1
x
b+1
0
),
where U(x
0
) = 0 and x
0
> 0. This result applies
provided b = 1; otherwise U(x) is logarithmic. If no
other forces act, mechanical energy is conserved, so a
particle released at x = with kinetic energy
K() = 0, will have kinetic energy at x
0
of K(x
0
) =
U(). This is nite provided b + 1 < 0. (Otherwise,
x
b+1
, as x , or if b = 1, ln x also.) In
case b + 1 < 0, |b + 1| = (b + 1) and
1
2
mv
2
0
=
(a/ |b + 1|)x
|b+1|
0
, or v
0
= (2a/m|b + 1|)
1/2
x
|b+1|/2
0
.
Problem
86. A block slides on a horizontal surface with
coecient of sliding friction
k
= 0.37. It collides
with a spring and stops at the point of maximum
compression. If the block hit the spring at
1.79 m/s, and if the spring compressed 22 cm, and
if these are the maximum speed and compression
for which the block stops, show that the coecient
of static friction is twice the coecient of sliding
friction.
Solution
The maximum spring force which allows the block to
be at rest at point B (maximum compression) is kx,
which therefore equals the magnitude of the maximum
force of static friction,
s
mg. Therefore
s
= kx/mg.
(The normal force on a horizontal surface is mg.) The
spring constant (not given) can be found from the
conservation of energy (Equation 8-6, since the
changes in the potential and kinetic energies and the
work done by kinetic friction are known). If A is the
point of rst contact with the spring, (U + K) =
1
2
kx
2

1
2
mv
2
A
= W
nc
=
k
mgx. Thus kx =
m[(v
2
A
/x) 2
k
g]. Substituting into the equation for

s
above, one nds

s
=
v
2
A
gx
2
k
=
(1.79 m/s)
2
(9.8 m/s
2
)(0.22 m)
2(0.37)
= 0.746 2
k
.
(Of course, this is not a general result; it depends on
the particular numerical values chosen for v
A
, x,
and
k
.)
Problem 86 Solution.
Problem
87. The climbing rope described in Example 8-3 is
securely fastened at its lower end. At the upper
end is a 65-kg climber. At a height 2.4 m directly
below the climber, the rope passes through a
carabiner (essentially a frictionless metal loop), as
shown in Fig. 8-50. If the climber falls, through
what maximum total distanceincluding the
stretching of the ropedoes he drop? Hint: Your
statement of energy conservation should result in
a cubic equation, which you can solve graphically,
numerically, or analytically.
Solution
If the climber falls vertically, the maximum change in
height is 4.8 m plus the maximum stretch in the rope;
120 CHAPTER 8
figure 8-50 Problem 87.
i.e., y
i
y
f
= 4.8 m+x
max
. The subscripts i and f refer
to the initial and nal (i.e., at the maximum stretch of
the rope where the velocity is instantaneously zero)
positions of the climber, so K
i
= K
f
= 0. The
carabiner is frictionless, so the conservation of energy
implies that K + U
grav
+ U
spr
= 0, or mg
(y
i
y
f
) = mg(4.8 m + x
max
) =
1
2
kx
2
max

1
3
bx
3
max
,
where the potential energy stored in the rope was
calculated in Example 8-3. Substitution of the values
given for the constants leads to a cubic equation for
the maximum stretch: (2.14510
3
)x
3
max

0.175x
2
max
+ x
max
+ 4.8 = 0, where x
max
is in meters.
Without the cubic term, the quadratic formula gives
x
max
8.82 m, so we expect x
max
to be somewhat
greater than this because the ropes potential energy is
less than that of an ideal spring for the same stretch.
We choose to use Newtons method, with a rst guess
of x
max
= 9, to solve the cubic (see Holder, De Franza
& Pasacho, Single Variable Calculus, 2nd Ed.
Brooks/Cole, 1994, Section 4.5). After two iterations,
we nd x
max
9.694 m, or the maximum fall is about
4.8 m + x
max
= 14.5 m. (This might be compared to
the stretch of the rope when in equilibrium with the
climbers weight, x
eq
3.02 m, at a distance of 7.82 m
below the start of the fall.)