What is the deceleration and duration of a car skidding at 60 mi/h?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a car skidding at a speed of 60 mi/h. Participants are exploring how to calculate the deceleration and the duration of the skid, given the distance of 176 ft and the assumption of constant deceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the problem due to a perceived lack of information and seeks assistance.
  • Another participant suggests identifying known variables and applying kinematic equations, emphasizing the importance of considering the direction of acceleration as negative.
  • A different participant proposes using the equation D = T(vf + vi)/2 to find time, indicating that the initial and final speeds along with distance are sufficient to solve for both time and acceleration.
  • Another participant recommends the equation v^2 = u^2 + 2ad as a method to find acceleration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present various approaches to solving the problem, but there is no consensus on a single method or solution. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple suggestions offered.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully defined all variables or assumptions, and the application of kinematic equations may depend on additional context regarding the initial and final speeds.

mailman85
Please help me with this problem. I have tried many things to solve it, but there doesn't seem to be enough supplied information. I'm sure I'm just overlooking something. Thanks.

A car traveling at 60mi/h (88ft/s) skids 176 ft after its breaks are suddenly applied. Under the assumption that the braking system provides constant deceleration, what is that deceleration? For how long does the skid continue?
 
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Hi mailman85, welcome to Physicsforums!

First this problem is suppose to be at the Physics section.

Anyway.

First, identify all the known variables. Then identify all the five kinematics equations. Now plug the known variables into one of the kinematic equation.

One thing you have to make sure is that the direction of the acceleration is negative.
 
You can use the following equation for acceleration. You know the initial speed the final speed and the distance. That is enough to solve for both time and acceleration.

D=T(vf+vi)/2 can be used to find time.

You should be able to find the equation for for acceleration.

hope this helps
 
Try v^2 = u^2 + 2ad
 

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