Coefficient of kinetic friction homework

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the coefficient of kinetic friction, where a girl coasts down a hill on a sled and then travels on level ground before coming to a stop. Participants are exploring the effects of friction on motion and the calculations involved in determining the distance traveled before coming to rest.

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  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to calculate the frictional force and acceleration, using the relationship between initial and final velocities and distance. There are questions about the correctness of formulas and the plausibility of calculated values.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the calculations and the application of formulas, while others are exploring different interpretations of the problem. There is an ongoing exchange of attempts and corrections, with some participants expressing uncertainty about their results.

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Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the amount of direct assistance they can receive. There is a focus on ensuring understanding rather than providing complete solutions.

KrazeeNym
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Please help me solve this problem :confused:

A girl coasts down a hill on a sled, reaching level ground at the bottom with a speed of 7.0 m/s. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the sled's runners and the hard, icy snow is 0.050, and the girl and sled together weigh 645 N. How far does the sled travel on the level ground before coming to rest?

Thanks in advance :rolleyes:
 
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KrazeeNym said:
Please help me solve this problem :confused:

A girl coasts down a hill on a sled, reaching level ground at the bottom with a speed of 7.0 m/s. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the sled's runners and the hard, icy snow is 0.050, and the girl and sled together weigh 645 N. How far does the sled travel on the level ground before coming to rest?

Thanks in advance :rolleyes:
We will help you if you show us your attempt to solve a problem. We will not do a problem for you.
 
I'm having trouble with the same problem. So far I have attempted to calculate the Ff.

mu=.050 or Ff/645 N
Ff=32.3 N

I also plan to use the formula, vf^2=vi^2+2ax but I need the acceleration. So I need to calculate the sum of all forces which is, Ff fight? The mass is 66 kg. So using f=ma, is the acceleration .49 m/s^2? Using the above equation, is the distance traveled 48 m? Thanks so much guys.
 
kinza said:
I'm having trouble with the same problem. So far I have attempted to calculate the Ff.

mu=.050 or Ff/645 N
Ff=32.3 N

I also plan to use the formula, vf^2=vi^2+2ax but I need the acceleration. So I need to calculate the sum of all forces which is, Ff fight? The mass is 66 kg. So using f=ma, is the acceleration .49 m/s^2? Using the above equation, is the distance traveled 48 m? Thanks so much guys.
Your approach is correct. Your answer is a bit off. You should check your computation. Also, if you take the direction of motion as positive, the acceleration is actually negative.
 
Thanks for responding! :wink: The answer is a little off? I thought it would be a lot off. I really have no idea where I went wrong. Are the formulas for mu and vf correct? Also, does 32.3 N seem plausible for the friction?
 
kinza said:
Thanks for responding! :wink: The answer is a little off? I thought it would be a lot off. I really have no idea where I went wrong. Are the formulas for mu and vf correct? Also, does 32.3 N seem plausible for the friction?
The friction is F = μN and N is the weight in this case (horizontal ground with no vertical forces other than gravity and the normal) You have that part done perfectly. The acceleration comes from F = -μN = ma, so a = -μN/m = -μNg/W = -.49m/s², which you also have found correctly except for the sign. Your only problem is the computation based on vf² = vi² + 2ax. It is the correct relationship to use, but your answer for x is not consistent with the values that go into the equation.
 
Hmm...I tried again and got 50 m. Is that right?
 
kinza said:
Hmm...I tried again and got 50 m. Is that right?
Looks good to me.:smile:
 
Thanks a million! (really) :smile:
 
  • #10
I am currently working on the same problem and I am majorly stuck. I know the answer is 50 but i am not sure how to get it. I am using Vf^2=Vi^2 + 2AX.
Vf=7
Vi=0
A=-.05

I believe those are the right numbers but when i plug them in I get -490 not 50. Can anyone help me, i'd really appreciate it.
 
  • #11
nm. I finally get it now I just had the wrong acceleration. sorry to anyone that attempted to help me or bothered reading this.
 

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