Tasks Task 2 - Compare and contrast the use of D'Alembert's principle with
the principle of conservation of energy to solve an
engineering problem
A motor vehicle having a mass of 800 kg is at rest on an incline of 1 in 8 when the
brakes are released. The vehicle travels 30 m down the incline against a constant
frictional resistance to motion of 100 N where it reaches the bottom of the slope.
a) Using the principle of conservation of energy, calculate the velocity of the
vehicle at the bottom of the incline.
b) Using an alternative method that does not involve a consideration of energy,
cacluate the velocity of the vehicle at the bottom of the incline.
c) Discuss the merits of the two methods you have used for parts a) and b) of
this question. Justify the use of an energy method for these types of
problems.​