F=ma 2025 Problem 25

Physics · mechanics

Problem

Question: As shown in the figure, a puck of mass

m

can slide on a frictionless inclined plane (prism). The prism has a much greater mass compared to the puck and is itself sliding without friction on a horizontal surface. The velocity of the prism is

v = \sqrt{2gh}

, where

g

is the acceleration due to gravity and

h

is the height from which the puck starts sliding on the prism. The transition from the prism to the horizontal surface is smooth. The puck starts from rest relative to the prism. Find the final velocity of the puck once it begins sliding on the horizontal surface. (A)

\frac{v}{2}

. (B)

\frac{v}{\sqrt{2}}

. (C)

v

. (D)

\sqrt{2}v

. (E)

2v

. *Note: This problem references figure(s): `image_question/F=MA_2025_25_1.png`*

Browse the problem library