Light Truck Skidding Distance at Different Speeds

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the skidding distance of a light truck when braking at different speeds, specifically comparing the distances skidded at 40 km/hr and 80 km/hr. The problem involves concepts from kinematics and energy, particularly the work-energy principle.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between speed and stopping distance, questioning the lack of information such as mass and friction coefficients. Some suggest using kinematic equations, while others propose the work-energy principle. There is also discussion about the appropriateness of the equations used and the assumptions made regarding displacement.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided calculations and alternative methods for determining the skidding distance. There is recognition of different approaches, with some participants confirming the results of others while also noting discrepancies in calculations. The conversation reflects an ongoing exploration of the problem without a definitive consensus on the best method.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of specific values for mass and friction, which are critical for applying certain formulas. There is also mention of homework constraints that may limit the methods available for solving the problem.

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When the driver applies the brakes of a light truck traveling at 40\,\frac{km}{hr}, it skids 3 m before stopping. How far will the truck skid if it is traveling 80\,\frac{km}{hr} when the brakes are applied?

Here is what I have done, we are supposed to use the work energy formula, but I can't figure out how to relate the small amount of information. There is no mass specified, no kinetic friction coeeficient specified? Please help!

V_{i_1}\,=\,40\,\frac{km}{hr}\,=\,11.11\,\frac{m}{s}

V_{f_1}\,=\,0

I figured t_1 using kinematics:

v_f\,=\,v_i\,+a\,t

0\,=\,11.1\,+\,a\,t

s\,=\,s_0\,+\,v_0\,t\,+\,\frac{1}{2}\,a\,t^2

6\,=\,0\,+\,22.2\,+\,a\,t^2

t_1\,=\,0.54\,s

a\,=\,-20.6\,\frac{m}{s^2}

Then I use these numbers in another kinematic equation for the 80 km/hr instance:

V_f\,=\,V_0\,+\,2\,a\,(s\,-\,s_0)

0\,=\,22.2\,\frac{m}{s}\,+2\,\left(-20.6\,\frac{m}{s^2}\right)\,(s\,-\,0)

s\,=\,0.538\,m

The answer is actually 12m though.
 
Last edited:
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VinnyCee said:
When the driver applies the brakes of a light truck traveling at 40\,\frac{km}{hr}, it skids 3 m before stopping. How far will the truck skid if it is traveling 80\,\frac{km}{hr} when the brakes are applied?

Here is what I have done, we are supposed to use the work energy formula, but I can't figure out how to relate the small amount of information. There is no mass specified, no kinetic friction coeeficient specified? Please help!

V_{i_1}\,=\,40\,\frac{km}{hr}\,=\,11.11\,\frac{m}{s}

V_{f_1}\,=\,0

I figured t_1 using kinematics:

v_f\,=\,v_i\,+a\,t

0\,=\,11.1\,+\,a\,t

s\,=\,s_0\,+\,v_0\,t\,+\,\frac{1}{2}\,a\,t^2

6\,=\,0\,+\,22.2,+\,a\,t^2

If the distance it travels before stopping is 3 meters, taking s0 as 0 like you've done then then s should be 3 not 6 since the total displacement is only 3 meters. Also it may have been easier to use a different equation from the start, one that doesn't take into account time since you aren't given a stopping time, such as

vf2 - v02 = 2as
 
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v_f^2\,-\,v_0^2\,=\,2\,a\,s

(0)^2\,-\,\left(22.2\,\frac{m}{s}\right)^2\,=\,2\,\left(-20.6\,\frac{m}{s^2}\right)\,s

-492.8\,\frac{m^2}{s^2}\,=\,-41.2\,\frac{m}{s^2}

s\,=\,\frac{-492.8\,\frac{m^2}{s^2}}{-41.2\,\frac{m}{s^2}}\,=\,11.96m

That is right if you round up! Thanks for the help.

NOTE: I think we were supposed to solve it using a work-energy formula (i.e. - \frac{1}{2}\,m\,v_0^2\,+\,\sum\,U\,=\,\frac{1}{2}\,m\,v_f^2) somehow.
 
Last edited:
VinnyCee said:
v_f^2\,-\,v_0^2\,=\,2\,a\,s

(0)^2\,-\,\left(22.2\,\frac{m}{s}\right)^2\,=\,2\,\left(-20.6\,\frac{m}{s^2}\right)\,s

-492.8\,\frac{m^2}{s^2}\,=\,-41.2\,\frac{m}{s^2}

s\,=\,\frac{-492.8\,\frac{m^2}{s^2}}{-41.2\,\frac{m}{s^2}}\,=\,11.96m

That is right if you round up! Thanks for the help.

Your welcome, I'm glad I could help.
 
Note that you don't need to actually find the deceleration to get to the answer. This can be done as follows,
v^2 = 2aS=>v^2\varpropto S
since acceleration is constant in both cases , we get
\frac{{v_1}^2}{{v_2}^2}=\frac{S_1}{S_2}
Now you can solve by inserting given values.
Do you follow ?
 
Last edited:
\frac{40\frac{km}{hr}}{80\frac{km}{hr}}\,=\,\frac{3\,m}{X}

X\,=\,6\,m

But it's really 12!
 
Last edited:
VinnyCee said:
{\color{red}\frac{40\frac{km}{hr}}{80\frac{km}{hr}}}\,=\,\frac{3\,m}{X}

X\,=\,6\,m

But it's really 12!
You forgot to square the velocities. Re calculate your value and you should obtain 12m.
 

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