What is the minimum stopping distance for a car on a wet road?

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In summary, a car traveling at 50.0 mi/h on a horizontal highway will stop in a minimum distance of 225 feet on a rainy day with a coefficient of static friction of 0.100. On a dry surface with a coefficient of static friction of 0.600, the stopping distance will be 37.5 feet. The normal force and mass of the car do not need to be known to solve this problem.
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Stevecgz
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A car is traveling at 50.0 mi/h on a horizontal highway. If the coefficient of static friction between road and tires on a rainy day is 0.100, what is the minimum distance in which the car will stop? What is the stopping distance when the surface is dry and the coefficient of static friction is 0.600?

I'm uncertain how to solve this question because the only relationships between the coefficient of friction and acceleration that I'm aware of require knowing the normal force, and this question does not give the normal force or the mass of the object so the normal force can be calculated.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

Steve
 
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  • #2
Don't give up so easily. Call the mass of the car "m" and see what happens. If information is not given, perhaps it's not needed. :wink:
 
  • #3
Figured out "m" cancels out in the equation. Got the correct answer now. Thanks Doc!

Steve
 

1. What is friction?

Friction is a force that opposes the motion of objects in contact with each other. It is caused by the roughness of surfaces and the interlocking of microscopic bumps and ridges.

2. What are the different types of friction?

There are three main types of friction: static friction, which acts on stationary objects; kinetic friction, which acts on objects in motion; and rolling friction, which occurs when an object rolls over a surface.

3. How does friction affect motion?

Friction can either help or hinder motion. In some cases, friction can provide the necessary force to start an object in motion, but it can also slow down or stop an object's motion.

4. How can friction be reduced?

Friction can be reduced by using lubricants, such as oil or grease, to create a smooth layer between two surfaces. Additionally, using smoother materials and reducing the weight or pressure between two surfaces can also decrease friction.

5. What are some real-life examples of friction?

Some common examples of friction include walking on the ground, riding a bicycle, and using a pencil to write on paper. Friction is also important in everyday activities such as driving a car, using brakes to stop a vehicle, and even brushing your teeth.

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