Halliday, Resnick & Walker — Potential Energy and Conservation of Energy: Problem 64_H

In Fig. 8.40, a block is released from rest at height \( d = 40 \text{ cm} \) and slides down a frictionless ramp and onto a first plateau, which has length \( d \) and where the coefficient of kinetic friction is \( 0.50 \). If the block is still moving, it then slides down a second frictionless ramp through height \( d/2 \) and onto a lower plateau, which has length \( d/2 \) and where the coefficient of kinetic friction is again \( 0.50 \). If the block is still moving, it then slides up a frictionless ramp until it (momentarily) stops. Where does the block stop? If its final stop is on a plateau, state which one and give the distance L from the left edge of that plateau. If the block reaches the ramp, give the height H above the lower plateau where it momentarily stops.