Stopping Distance of a Locomotive with Failed Engine and Brakes

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the stopping distance of a locomotive with failed engine and brakes, first at a mass of 49,000 kg and then at 35,000 kg. The user has drawn a force diagram and calculated the weight, but is uncertain about how to proceed without knowing the coefficients of friction. They express confusion about the relevance of velocity in the calculations and whether they can derive deceleration from mass and weight alone. The conversation highlights the need for additional information, specifically the coefficients of friction, to accurately solve the problem. Overall, the user is seeking guidance on how to effectively approach the calculations for stopping distance.
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Homework Statement



a. A 49,000 kg locomotive is traveling at 11 m/s when its engine and brakes both fail. How far will the locomotive roll before it comes to a stop?
_____m

b. Determine the stopping distance if the locomotive had the same initial velocity but was "low on diesel" so its mass was only 35,000 kg.
______m

Homework Equations



Fr = µr x n
F = ma
Max = F1 - F2
May = F1 - F2


The Attempt at a Solution



To start off I drew a force diagram which showed thre forces; normal force going up, weight going down, and friction going in the opposite direction of the car. I found weight by multiplying the mass by 9.8, which ended up being 408200. I know that this must also be the amount for the normal force. But, now I'm at a standstill. I don't think the coefficients have anything to do with the problem but I'm starting to second guess myself. Am I able to use the mass and weight to figure out the decceleration of the car so that I will be able to use the velocity to find the distance? Thank you in advance!
 
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It looks to me like you need the coefficients of friction.
 
Mattowander said:
It looks to me like you need the coefficients of friction.

That seems logical, but there is no way to get them with just the mass and velocity. Velocity seems pretty pointless, especially at this stage in the problem, and all that mass can give us is weight, but using 9.8 as the acceleration.

How else can I approach the problem?
 
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