Calculate force of friction on car as it rolls across

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the force of friction on a toy car rolling across a flat surface, with given parameters including mass, time, and displacement. The calculations show that the car's final velocity is 4.75 m/s, leading to an acceleration of 1.29 m/s², resulting in a frictional force of 0.38 N. Participants note that the problem statement is incomplete and express confusion over the term "smooth level surface," as friction is present. Clarification is sought regarding whether the measurements are taken after the mousetrap has stopped providing power. The calculations and context provided are deemed correct for determining the force of friction.
SelenaT
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Homework Statement


Calculate the force of friction on a toy car as it rolls across a flat floor.

Given:
mass = 0.293kg
time = 3.66 s
displacement = 8.7

Homework Equations



Fnet = mass x acceleration

displacement = [(velocity1 + velocity2)/2] time

velocity2 = velocity1 + acceleration(time)

The Attempt at a Solution


Step 1[/B]
displacement = [(velocity1 + velocity2)/2] time
v2 = (2d/time) - v1
= 2(8.7m)/3.66s - 0m/s
= 4.75m/s

Step 2
velocity2 = velocity1 + acceleration(time)
a = v2-v1 / time
= 4.75/3.66
= 1.29m/s^2

Step 3
F=ma
= 0.293kg x 1.29m/s^2
= 0.38N

so the force of friction on the car is 0.38N ?

I am unsure if this is right and if i have to use the Force of friction = μ x N equation
 
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The problem statement is incomplete. Please copy the entire question word for word.

Your working implies you have more information than you've posted...
 
billy_joule said:
The problem statement is incomplete. Please copy the entire question word for word.

Your working implies you have more information than you've posted...

Will remember to add background of the question.

"Calculate the force of friction on your car as it rolls across a smooth level surface."

Not sure why it says smooth level surface since there was friction between the car and the floor but...

This is a follow up question to an experiment we did. We had to make a mousetrap car so the car was powered only by the mousetrap. The mass of my car is 0.293kg and it traveled 8.7 m in 3.66 seconds across a flat floor.
 
Ok. The missing information is that the car comes to a stop after traveling the 8.7 metres.

What you've done is correct.
 
SelenaT said:
Will remember to add background of the question.

"Calculate the force of friction on your car as it rolls across a smooth level surface."

Not sure why it says smooth level surface since there was friction between the car and the floor but...

This is a follow up question to an experiment we did. We had to make a mousetrap car so the car was powered only by the mousetrap. The mass of my car is 0.293kg and it traveled 8.7 m in 3.66 seconds across a flat floor.
Are the distance and time measured from a point where the mousetrap has ceased to supply any power?
 
haruspex said:
Are the distance and time measured from a point where the mousetrap has ceased to supply any power?
yes
 
SelenaT said:
yes
Ok
 
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