Calculating the distance of a sliding block

In summary, you would use the F(mu) equation to calculate the force of friction between the object and shoe. You would also use the Fg sin(theta) and Fg cos(theta) equations to calculate the initial and added weights, respectively.
  • #1
scryedzxp
6
0
1) I would like to know if I found the deceleration correctly.
Since the force of friction is coefficient of friction * Normal Force, and F = ma, would the deceleration be force of friction/mass?

2) How do I calculate the total distance a sliding block traveled? (The block was pushed.)
 
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  • #2
scryedzxp said:
1) I would like to know if I found the deceleration correctly.
Since the force of friction is coefficient of friction * Normal Force, and F = ma, would the deceleration be force of friction/mass?
If friction is the only force accelerating the block (for example, the block has a initial speed on a horizontal surface), then Newton's law tells you that a = F/m. Now if you use what you know about the friction force, what's the resulting acceleration? (What's the normal force?)
2) How do I calculate the total distance a sliding block traveled? (The block was pushed.)
Several ways: (1) Using the kinematic relationships for uniformly accelerated motion, or (2) using energy methods.
 
  • #3
Doc Al said:
If friction is the only force accelerating the block (for example, the block has a initial speed on a horizontal surface), then Newton's law tells you that a = F/m. Now if you use what you know about the friction force, what's the resulting acceleration? (What's the normal force?)
Several ways: (1) Using the kinematic relationships for uniformly accelerated motion, or (2) using energy methods.

The resulting acceleration would be the applied force plus the force of friction. Since the force of friction is opposing force to the applied force, it's basically subtracting the two values. Normal force is the positive value of the object's weight.

Which energy formulas would I use? Can you steer me in the right direction?
 
  • #4
scryedzxp said:
The resulting acceleration would be the applied force plus the force of friction. Since the force of friction is opposing force to the applied force, it's basically subtracting the two values.
I'm a bit confused about the problem. Is there an applied force in addition to the friction? If that force exceeds the friction force, why would the block slow down?

In any case, the acceleration would equal the net force divided by the mass.

Normal force is the positive value of the object's weight.
OK.
Which energy formulas would I use? Can you steer me in the right direction?
Again, please describe the problem exactly as it was given, so I don't steer you wrong.

If it's just a block being slowed by friction, the work done by friction in bringing it to a complete stop must equal (in magnitude) the initial kinetic energy of the block.
 
  • #5
I'm writing a program and I need to know the pushed block's final distance. The user will input the amount of the applied force. I just have it so that the block is pushed for a second and it'll slide after that point. After it's been given a push, it'll have so-and-so speed and acceleration - and since the block is not on a frictionless surface, it is bound to slow down.
 
  • #6
OK, much clearer. You'll need to break this into two pieces:

(1) While the push is being applied, there are two forces acting. Find the net force and thus the acceleration. Find the block's speed after one second (assuming it starts from rest).

(2) Once the push is removed, the only force is the friction. Find the new acceleration (or de-acceleration, if you prefer). You have the initial speed (from part 1), now find the distance it slides using kinematics (or by calculating the work done by friction).
 
  • #7
really need help now now now please

hi
i have a few questions to ask.

firstly, I'm trying to calculate F(mu) and Fn using the F(mu)=Fg sin(theta) and Fn=Fg cos (theta) for the object and shoe for both the initial and added weight. THe angle is 37.7 degree's for object 1 and with weight is 42 degrees and the 2nd one is 40.3 degrees for object 2 and weight is 41.3 degrees.
also am having trouble determining things on excel but can someone add me to their msn and i'll explain further.
thanks heaps!
olivia
 
  • #8

1. How do you calculate the distance of a sliding block?

To calculate the distance of a sliding block, you will need to know the initial velocity, the acceleration, and the time it takes for the block to slide. You can use the equation d = v0t + 1/2at^2 to calculate the distance, where d is the distance, v0 is the initial velocity, a is the acceleration, and t is the time.

2. What units should be used for calculating the distance of a sliding block?

The units used to calculate the distance of a sliding block will depend on the units used for velocity, acceleration, and time. Generally, distance is measured in meters (m), velocity in meters per second (m/s), acceleration in meters per second squared (m/s^2), and time in seconds (s).

3. Can you calculate the distance of a sliding block without knowing the acceleration?

No, you cannot calculate the distance of a sliding block without knowing the acceleration. The acceleration is a key component in the equation used to calculate distance and without it, the calculation cannot be completed accurately.

4. How do you measure the initial velocity of a sliding block?

The initial velocity of a sliding block can be measured using a stopwatch and a measuring tape. Start the stopwatch when the block begins to slide and stop it when it reaches a certain distance. Then, use the equation v0 = d/t to calculate the initial velocity, where v0 is the initial velocity, d is the distance, and t is the time.

5. Is the distance of a sliding block affected by friction?

Yes, the distance of a sliding block can be affected by friction. Friction is a force that opposes the motion of an object and can cause the block to slow down, resulting in a shorter distance traveled. To calculate the distance taking friction into account, you can use the equation d = v0t + 1/2at^2 - ufn, where u is the coefficient of friction and fn is the normal force of the block.

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