ramp is very smooth (essentially frictionless), how high up the ramp
will the box go? What distance along the ramp will it slide?Working Backward
Kinematics presents a
straightforward approach
to problem-solving. With
energy, you can work
backward, forward, or
even from the middle. The
beauty of this approach is
that you can start from the
easiest position. So, when
given a choice between
solving with work or
kinematics, it’s usually
easiest to use work.Here’s How to Crack It
Because friction is negligible, we can apply conservation of mechanical energy.
Calling the bottom of the ramp our h = 0 reference level, we write