Solving Newton's Laws Problem: Stopping a Cart w/ Box in Min Time

In summary: You then matched the cart's deceleration of the cart to the max deceleration of the box. This means the box is not moving relative to the cart.In summary, the box on the cart with a velocity of 40m/s has a static drag coefficient of 0.3. To stop the cart on minimal time and ensure the box does not move, the driver should start slowing down at least 27.21 seconds before the cart stops. The distance traveled by the cart during this time is 544.2m. The correct answer is 227m.
  • #1
sedaw
62
0
A box put on a cart with velocity of 40m/s.
The static drag coefficient between the box and the cart is 0.3.
How long (in metes) before the cart stop should the driver start to slow down if he want to stop the cart on minimal time and make the box not move ?

im received 544.2 m but the answer is 227 .

tnx.
 
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  • #2
sedaw said:
A box put on a cart with velocity of 40m/s.
The static drag coefficient between the box and the cart is 0.3.
How long (in metes) before the cart stop should the driver start to slow down if he want to stop the cart on minimal time and make the box not move ?

im received 544.2 m but the answer is 227 .

tnx.

Please show us your work -- how did you arrive at 544.2m as your answer?
 
  • #3
sigmaFy=0 ----> mg=N
sigmaFx=ma --->a=-f_s/m

note: f_s = static friction

f_k=y*N = y*mg

recived : a= -yg = -0.3*9.8 ====> a = -2.94m/s^2


vo*t +0.5at^2=x

x will be 0 cause the box not move

X=0
v0=40
a=-2.94
t= ?


received t=27.21s


what`s the way will past ?

vt^2=vo^2=2ax
vt will be 0 cause the cat stop after t seconds.

v0=40
vt=0
t=27.21
x=?

received X=544.2


wts wrong ?
 
Last edited:
  • #4
sedaw said:
sigmaFy=0 ----> mg=N
sigmaFx=ma --->a=-f_s/m

note: f_s = static friction

f_k=y*N = y*mg

recived : a= -yg = -0.3*9.8 ====> a = -2.94m/s^2vo*t +0.5at^2=x

x will be 0 cause the box not move

X=0
v0=40
a=-2.94
t= ?received t=27.21swhat`s the way will past ?

vt^2=vo^2=2ax
vt will be 0 cause the cat stop after t seconds.

v0=40
vt=0
t=27.21
x=?

received X=544.2wts wrong ?

Isn't the time to stop going to be given by how long at constant deceleration it takes to get to 0? From 40m/s and decelerating at 2.94 m/s isn't that just 40/2.94 for the time?

Using the time you can then determine the distance with 1/2 a t2
 
  • #5
the deceleration constant .

forgat to mention .

there`s any offer ?
 
  • #6
LowlyPion said:
Using the time you can then determine the distance with 1/2 a t2

u mean that : vo*t+0.5at^2=X ?
 
  • #7
sedaw said:
u mean that : vo*t+0.5at^2=X ?

Yes, but I was simplifying it by observing that the final velocity for deceleration was going to be 0 and hence could be represented by just the simple x = 1/2 a t2.

If you prefer you can use the relationship that

[tex]v^2 = v_0^2 + 2 a \Delta x[/tex]

https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=905663&postcount=2

Here the final velocity is 0 so that makes it merely (40)2/(2*2.94) = X
 
  • #8
first for determine distance i can use (V0+Vt)*t/2

but how i can be sure that the not move while the cart decelerate ?

TNX ... :smile:
 
  • #9
You determined the max acceleration with respect to the ground of the box based on the max available static friction force. Then you set the acceleration of the cart with respect to the ground the same as the acceleration of the box with respect to the ground. Is the box moving with respect to the cart?
 
  • #10
sedaw said:
first for determine distance i can use (V0+Vt)*t/2

but how i can be sure that the not move while the cart decelerate ?

TNX ... :smile:

OK you can use that too. The right answer is the same no matter how you get there.

You know the box is not going to move because you already determined the maximum deceleration the box could tolerate while slowing without it moving.
 

Related to Solving Newton's Laws Problem: Stopping a Cart w/ Box in Min Time

1. What are Newton's Laws?

Newton's Laws are three fundamental principles of physics that describe the behavior of objects in motion. The first law states that an object will remain at rest or in constant motion unless acted upon by an external force. The second law states that the force applied to an object is directly proportional to its mass and acceleration. The third law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

2. How do Newton's Laws apply to stopping a cart with a box in minimum time?

In this problem, the first law applies as the cart will continue to move forward unless acted upon by a force. The second law applies as the force applied to the cart will depend on its mass and the acceleration needed to stop it. The third law applies as the force used to stop the cart will result in an equal and opposite reaction force on the person stopping it.

3. How can we calculate the minimum time needed to stop the cart?

The minimum stopping time can be calculated by using the formula t = (2d/a)^1/2, where t is the time, d is the distance traveled, and a is the acceleration needed to stop the cart. This formula is derived from the second law of motion, F=ma, and the equation of motion, d=1/2at^2.

4. What factors affect the minimum stopping time of the cart?

The factors that affect the minimum stopping time include the mass of the cart and the box, the initial velocity of the cart, and the friction between the cart and the surface it is moving on. The greater the mass and initial velocity, the longer it will take to stop the cart. The higher the friction, the shorter the stopping time.

5. How can we decrease the stopping time of the cart?

The stopping time of the cart can be decreased by reducing the mass of the cart and the box, increasing the friction between the cart and the surface, and using a larger force to stop the cart. Additionally, minimizing any unnecessary movement or friction between the cart and the surface can also decrease the stopping time.

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