Work and Energy

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Problem Statement Consider the system of a block sliding in a rough parabolic track. The block is initially placed at the top of the track where it has stored energy due to its position in the track. How does the energy and work done on the block relate to the block's motion? We see that the friction caused by the block sliding across the surface of the track is steadily doing negative work on the system. Friction will eventually wick away all the energy from the system, forcing the block to come to rest. This system is known as a damped oscillator.

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