Finding Distance -- Hockey Puck Velocity

  • Thread starter Thread starter Catchingupquickly
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Velocity
AI Thread Summary
An ice hockey puck traveling at 45 m/s will cover a distance of 135 meters in 3.0 seconds if friction is neglected, as the velocity remains constant. The discussion highlights the use of the equation D = v*t for constant velocity scenarios. When friction is introduced, the net force must be calculated to determine acceleration, which affects the distance traveled. The correct formula for distance in cases with acceleration is Δd = v*Δt + 0.5*a*Δt^2. Understanding when to use each formula is crucial for solving these types of physics problems effectively.
Catchingupquickly
Messages
24
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


An ice hockey puck leaves a hockey stick with a velocity of 45 m/s, how far will it travel in 3.0 seconds?


Homework Equations


D = v/t or

## \Delta \vec d= \frac 1 2 \vec a \Delta t^2##

with ## \vec a = v_2 / \Delta t##

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
D = v/t
= 45 m/s / 3 = 135 meters

or ##0.5 (15 m/s^2) (3)^2## = 67.5 meters

Which one is it, and more importantly... how do I tell the difference on when to use each formula?

Thank you
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Since no friction is mentioned, I believe for this problem you should assume there is no friction, which means the velocity is constant. In other words, a = 0.
 
Thank you both very much. Very helpful.
 
Actually a follow up question to this adds friction. The puck is hit with a force of 15.3 N and the friction slowing it down is 0.75 N.
Same time (3.0 s) same velocity (45 m/s)

So a = f/m then plug that into the second formula mentioned above?
 
Catchingupquickly said:
##\Delta \vec d= \frac 1 2 \vec a \Delta t^2##
with ## a = v_2 / \Delta t##
Those equations are not quite right. It is ##\Delta d= v\Delta t+ \frac 1 2 a \Delta t^2## and ##a =\Delta v/\Delta t##.
You are not told the puck stops in 3 seconds. If you assume it keeps going at v then Δv=0 and a =0, so you end up with the same equation as d=vt.
 
  • Like
Likes Catchingupquickly
Extremely helpful. Thank you
 
Back
Top