Find the Distance of a Toy Zebra from a Chute

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a toy zebra sliding down a frictionless chute from a height of 1.05 m with an initial speed of 1.71 m/s, and then sliding on a horizontal surface with friction. The goal is to determine the distance the zebra travels before coming to rest.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the zebra's speed at the bottom of the chute, referencing kinematic equations and energy conservation principles. Questions arise regarding the relevant equations and the role of mass in the calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to clarify the energy conservation approach and the application of kinematic equations. One participant expresses uncertainty about how to proceed without knowing the mass, while another suggests focusing on potential energy and work done by friction. A participant indicates they have resolved their confusion, but the discussion remains open for further exploration.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the constraints of the problem, including the lack of mass information and the need to apply energy principles effectively. The problem is framed within the context of homework help, emphasizing the learning process.

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Homework Statement


A boy shoves his stuffed toy zebra down a frictionless chute, starting at a height of 1.05 m above the bottom of the chute and with an initial speed of 1.71 m/s. The toy animal emerges horizontally from the bottom of the chute and continues sliding along a horizontal surface with coefficient of kinetic friction 0.263. How far from the bottom of the chute does the toy zebra come to rest? Take g = 9.81 m/s2.

h=1.05m
Vi=1.71m/s
μk=.263
g=9.81m/s^2


Homework Equations


K=1/2mv^2
W=-μmgd
W(non conservative)=Ef-Ei


The Attempt at a Solution


I don't even know where to start... I solved for the final velocity using regular kinematic equations, but without a mass, I have no idea how to go about this... please help!
 
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There's essentially two parts to the question. So the first part is calculating the speed which the object gets to when it gets to the bottom of the chute. I'm guessing you've done the regular kinematic equations for this part? Which equations did you use, and what answer did you get to?
 


Welcome to PF, becky_marie11!

I'm missing the relevant equation for potential energy.
Conservation of energy says that the total initial energy must have been canceled by the work done by friction.
 


Ohhh...Wait I figured it out. Nevermind! Thanks though!
 

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