Three identical blocks move either on a horizontal surface, up a plane, or down a plane, as shown below. They all start with the same speed and continue to move until brought to rest by friction. Rank the three situations according to the mechanical energy dissipated by friction, least to greatest.
A) The same for all cases
B) 1, 2, 3
C) 1, then 2 and 3 tie
D) 3, 1, 2
E) 2, 1, 3

Question

Three identical blocks move either on a horizontal surface, up a plane, or down a plane, as shown below. They all start with the same speed and continue to move until brought to rest by friction. Rank the three situations according to the mechanical energy dissipated by friction, least to greatest. 
A) The same for all cases 
B) 1, 2, 3 
C) 1, then 2 and 3 tie 
D) 3, 1, 2 
E) 2, 1, 3

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer of Three identical blocks move either on a horizontal surface, up a plane, or down a plane, as shown below. They all start with the same speed and continue to move until brought to rest by friction. Rank the three situations according to the mechanical energy dissipated by friction, least to greatest. 
A) The same for all cases 
B) 1, 2, 3 
C) 1, then 2 and 3 tie 
D) 3, 1, 2 
E) 2, 1, 3

Three Identical Blocks Move Either on a Horizontal Surface, Up