Find friction coefficient given initial and final velocity

[tyger2020]

I am not sure how to approach a problem involving the friction coefficient when only given initial velocity, final velocity, and distance traveled. I could combine the friction and kinematic equations, but I am only familiar with doing that for one velocity...

Here is the specific problem I had trouble with:

A cardboard box of unknown mass is sliding upon a mythical frictionless surface.

The box has a velocity of 4.56 m/s when it encounters a bit of friction. After sliding 0.700m, the box has a velocity of 3.33 m/s.

What is the coefficient of friction of the surface?

How do I solve this problem in particular, and what is the general procedure to solve problems like this?

 

[scottdave]

Welcome to PhysicsForums.
If you have not already, please take a moment to read over the rules, especially the part about how the Homework Help works.
You can find that here - https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/physics-forums-global-guidelines.414380/

When you use the homework template, it allows us to clearly see the problem statement, and what you know, and what you have tried.

Look at what information you have, and what you are able to calculate from the information (acceleration, perhaps?) Could that be of assistance here? What information do you need, in order to calculate friction?

 

[haruspex]

How do I solve this problem in particular, and what is the general procedure to solve problems like this?

What equations for motion under constant acceleration have you been taught?

 

[Eclair_de_XII]

what is the general procedure to solve problems like this?

In addition to those equations for motion, you also want to draw a free-body diagram detailing all the forces acting on the box, in addition to identifying and listing your variables. What are your known variables? Which variables do you not know? Which variable must you find?