Calculate force of friction on car as it rolls across

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SUMMARY

The force of friction on a toy car rolling across a flat surface is calculated to be 0.38 N. This calculation is based on the mass of the car (0.293 kg), the distance traveled (8.7 m), and the time taken (3.66 s). The acceleration was determined to be 1.29 m/s² using the formula a = (v2 - v1) / time, where v2 was calculated as 4.75 m/s. The discussion highlights the importance of including all relevant information in the problem statement for accurate calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law (F = ma)
  • Knowledge of kinematic equations for motion (displacement, velocity, time)
  • Familiarity with the concept of friction and the equation F_friction = μ x N
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn about the coefficient of friction and how it affects motion
  • Study kinematic equations in-depth for various motion scenarios
  • Explore experimental methods for measuring friction in real-world applications
  • Investigate the effects of surface texture on frictional forces
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of motion and friction in practical applications.

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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