Finding Distance -- Hockey Puck Velocity

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the distance traveled by an ice hockey puck given its initial velocity and time. The subject area includes kinematics and the application of motion equations under different conditions, such as the presence or absence of friction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use two different equations to find the distance, questioning when to apply each formula. Some participants suggest that the absence of friction implies constant velocity, while others introduce a scenario involving friction and additional forces.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different interpretations of the problem, particularly regarding the effects of friction and the appropriate equations to use. Some guidance has been offered regarding the assumptions of constant velocity and the conditions under which different equations apply, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of a follow-up question that introduces friction and a force acting on the puck, which complicates the initial scenario. The original problem does not specify friction, leading to varying assumptions among participants.

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Homework Statement


An ice hockey puck leaves a hockey stick with a velocity of 45 m/s, how far will it travel in 3.0 seconds?


Homework Equations


D = v/t or

## \Delta \vec d= \frac 1 2 \vec a \Delta t^2##

with ## \vec a = v_2 / \Delta t##

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
D = v/t
= 45 m/s / 3 = 135 meters

or ##0.5 (15 m/s^2) (3)^2## = 67.5 meters

Which one is it, and more importantly... how do I tell the difference on when to use each formula?

Thank you
 
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Since no friction is mentioned, I believe for this problem you should assume there is no friction, which means the velocity is constant. In other words, a = 0.
 
Thank you both very much. Very helpful.
 
Actually a follow up question to this adds friction. The puck is hit with a force of 15.3 N and the friction slowing it down is 0.75 N.
Same time (3.0 s) same velocity (45 m/s)

So a = f/m then plug that into the second formula mentioned above?
 
Catchingupquickly said:
##\Delta \vec d= \frac 1 2 \vec a \Delta t^2##
with ## a = v_2 / \Delta t##
Those equations are not quite right. It is ##\Delta d= v\Delta t+ \frac 1 2 a \Delta t^2## and ##a =\Delta v/\Delta t##.
You are not told the puck stops in 3 seconds. If you assume it keeps going at v then Δv=0 and a =0, so you end up with the same equation as d=vt.
 
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Extremely helpful. Thank you
 

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