Calculating Distance Traveled with Kinetic Friction (Coefficient 0.2)

[iRamie]

Homework Statement

A pop can is sliding across a table and then eventually comes to a stop. If it's initial velocity is 2m/s and the coefficient of kinetic friction between the two surfaces is 0.20, how far will it travel across the table.
Vi=2m/s
Vf=0m/s
CoeffKineticFriction = 0.2

Homework Equations

Fnet = ma
(v_f-v_i)/t = a

The Attempt at a Solution

I know that there is a force of friction and the coefficient is 0.2, but i don't know the mass of the object to find the normal force.

 

[edgepflow]

As you noted: Fnet = ma and Fnet = us X Fn.

Can you expand Fn? Will the unknown mass cancel?

 

[iRamie]

As you noted: Fnet = ma and Fnet = us X Fn.

Can you expand Fn? Will the unknown mass cancel?

Nope, that's all the question says. It says "Pop Can", and there is a correct answer for it which is 1 metre.

 

[cepheid]

What edgepflow was hinting at was that if you express the normal force in terms of the unknown mass m, then the mass will cancel from both sides of the equation. So the result is independent of mass.

 

[iRamie]

The only force is the friction force because it is sliding there is no other force.

 

[cepheid]

The only force is the friction force because it is sliding there is no other force.

That's true...in the horizontal direction at least. I'm not sure what you're getting at with your statement.

Did you try taking our advice?