Coefficient of Friction/Projectile motion problem

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a block projected on a horizontal surface, with the goal of determining the coefficient of kinetic friction given the initial speed and distance to rest. The context is within the subject area of friction and projectile motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express uncertainty about the relevance of mass in the equations provided and question how to proceed without it. Some suggest treating mass symbolically and exploring the forces acting on the block.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their confusion regarding the absence of mass and its impact on calculating the normal force. There is a suggestion to define mass symbolically, which may help clarify the problem's approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of specific information about mass and weight, which complicates the calculation of forces involved in the problem.

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Homework Statement



A block is projected with a speed of 3.0 m/s on a horizontal surface. if the block comes to rest in 1.5 m, what is the coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the surface?

Homework Equations



M=Ff/N
(Fapplied-Ff)=ma

I'm not really sure which equations to use for this problem since there is no mass given for the block.


The Attempt at a Solution



I really have no idea how to go about doing this problem!

I've been solving more complex friction problems but I'm currently baffled since there is no way to calculate a force, etc.
I'm taking a 12th grade physics class, by the way.
 
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rmiller94 said:
I'm not really sure which equations to use for this problem since there is no mass given for the block.
Maybe it doesn't matter. :wink: Just call the mass 'm' and continue. What's the force acting on the block?
 
i'm not really sure since there's no mass or weight given it seems impossible to find the normal force.

the only givens are in the problem stated above.

i'm so confused! hahah
 
rmiller94 said:
i'm not really sure since there's no mass or weight given it seems impossible to find the normal force.
Call the mass 'm'. What's the normal force? (Give it symbolically, not in terms of numbers.)
 
ooh haha i guess the normal force would just be mg?
 
rmiller94 said:
ooh haha i guess the normal force would just be mg?
Right! Keep going.
 

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