Calculating Minimum Stopping Distance for Truck & Box

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the minimum stopping distance for a truck traveling at 87.8 km/hr with a coefficient of static friction of 0.39 between the truck's floor and a box. The correct formula to use is derived from the equation of motion, specifically Vf^2 = V0^2 + 2a(delta x), where the acceleration (a) is determined by the frictional force. The final answer for the stopping distance is 104.2 meters, achieved after correcting initial calculation errors.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with the concept of static friction and its coefficient
  • Ability to convert units (e.g., km/hr to m/s)
  • Knowledge of basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the equation of motion Vf^2 = V0^2 + 2a(delta x)
  • Learn about the implications of static versus kinetic friction in physics problems
  • Explore real-world applications of friction in vehicle dynamics
  • Investigate the effects of different coefficients of friction on stopping distances
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and dynamics, as well as educators looking for practical examples of friction and motion calculations.

NAkid
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Homework Statement


The coefficient of static friction between the floor of a truck and a box resting on it is 0.39. The truck is traveling at 87.8 km/hr. What is the least distance in which the truck can stop and ensure that the box does not slide?


Homework Equations


Fs=Us*N



The Attempt at a Solution


I really am not sure how to work this out. I attempted using formula Vf^=V0^2 + 2adx but I don't think that's right. Help please!
 
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Sorry, my other question is this:
M1 and M2 are two masses connected as shown. The pulley is light and frictionless. Find the mass M1, given that M2 (7.00kg) accelerates downwards at 3.43m/s2, that theta is 20.0o, and that muk is 0.390.

I'm pretty sure I set it up correctly:
for block 2 i said, T-mg=ma --> T=ma+mg
for block 1, T-fk-mgsin(theta)=ma AND N-mgcos(theta)=0 (no acceleration in vertical direction)

also, i know that m2>m1 for m2 to accelerate downwards

basically i plugged everything in but the answer is still wrong..
 
Last edited:
NAkid said:

Homework Statement


The coefficient of static friction between the floor of a truck and a box resting on it is 0.39. The truck is traveling at 87.8 km/hr. What is the least distance in which the truck can stop and ensure that the box does not slide?


Homework Equations


Fs=Us*N



The Attempt at a Solution


I really am not sure how to work this out. I attempted using formula Vf^=V0^2 + 2adx but I don't think that's right. Help please!

I'm also having trouble with this problem. Here is what I tried (which didn't work):
First my numbers are different. Us=0.25 and v=81.4 km/hr.

First I converted 81.4 km/hr to 22.61 m/s.

Fs = Us*N => ma = Us*mg => a = Us*g => a = (0.25)(-9.81) = -2.4525 m/s^2
v^2 = v0^2 + 2a(delta x) => 0 = 22.61 + 2(-2.4525)(delta x) => delta x = 4.61 m

This is the wrong answer according to LONCAPA, so I don't really know what to do now.
 
anastasiaw said:
First I converted 81.4 km/hr to 22.61 m/s.

Fs = Us*N => ma = Us*mg => a = Us*g => a = (0.25)(-9.81) = -2.4525 m/s^2
v^2 = v0^2 + 2a(delta x) => 0 = 22.61 + 2(-2.4525)(delta x) => delta x = 4.61 m

This is the wrong answer according to LONCAPA, so I don't really know what to do now.

You forgot to square the initial velocity in the second equation.
 
Last edited:
spizma said:
You forgot to square the initial velocity in the second equation.

Oh simple mistakes... they kill me.

I have the right answer now... 104.2 m
 
NAkid said:
Sorry, my other question is this:
M1 and M2 are two masses connected as shown. The pulley is light and frictionless. Find the mass M1, given that M2 (7.00kg) accelerates downwards at 3.43m/s2, that theta is 20.0o, and that muk is 0.390.

I'm pretty sure I set it up correctly:
for block 2 i said, T-mg=ma --> T=ma+mg
for block 1, T-fk-mgsin(theta)=ma AND N-mgcos(theta)=0 (no acceleration in vertical direction)

also, i know that m2>m1 for m2 to accelerate downwards

basically i plugged everything in but the answer is still wrong..

I'm also having trouble with this one if anyone has any advice to offer.
 

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