Calculating Distance Traveled with Friction and Velocity

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a car skidding to a stop after flipping over, with specific parameters such as initial velocity and the coefficient of friction provided. The subject area is dynamics, particularly focusing on friction and motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between friction and acceleration, questioning the necessity of additional information such as mass to solve the problem. Some suggest using the force of friction to derive acceleration, while others express uncertainty about the problem's solvability with the given data.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering guidance on how to approach the problem. There is recognition of the need for mass in the calculations, and some participants are reconsidering their initial assumptions about the problem's requirements.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of missing information, specifically the mass of the car, which some participants believe is essential for a complete solution. The original poster also indicates a resolution to their confusion, although the specifics of that resolution are not detailed.

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Homework Statement


A car traveling at 32 m/s flips over onto its roof and skids down the road. If the coefficient of friction between metal and the pavement is 0.42, calculate how far the car will travel before coming to a complete stop.


Homework Equations


F=ma, Force of Kinetic Friction= Coefficient of Friction x Normal Force


The Attempt at a Solution


The car's initial velocity is 32m/s and its final velocity is 0m/s. Thus V0 is 32m/s and V1 is 0m/s. Given mass, acceleration, or time the problem would be simple. But given only velocity and the coefficient of friction I'm not even sure if this problem is possible.

Help?

EDIT: Solved.
 
Last edited:
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It is possible. Try using the equation for the force of friction to solve for the acceleration and watch the magic happen.
 
My god, how did I miss that?

So that leaves me with the equation acceleration=coefficient of friction x acceleration due to gravity.

Thanks a ton!
 
You need the mass of the car. tell whoever gave you that problem to clean up their act.
 
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