Finding velocity (deals with coefficient of kinetic energy)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the initial speed of a car based on skid mark length and the coefficient of kinetic friction. The skid marks measured 85 meters, with a friction coefficient of 0.70, indicating the car nearly stopped before the collision. Participants highlight relevant equations, particularly V² = 2*a*x, and clarify that 'x' represents the distance over which the car decelerated. The need to determine the car's deceleration to find the initial velocity is emphasized. Understanding these concepts is crucial for solving the problem effectively.
mandaa123
Messages
8
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Police lieutenants, examining the scene of an accident involving two cars, measure the skid marks of one of the cars, which nearly came to a stop before colliding, to be 85 m long. The coefficient of kinetic friction between rubber and the pavement is about 0.70. Estimate the initial speed of that car assuming a level road.



Homework Equations


Fnet=ma
Ff=(coefficient of kinetic energy) Fn
vf = vi + at

The Attempt at a Solution


i have no idea what to do since none of the formulas work with the knowns.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
mandaa123 said:

Homework Statement



Police lieutenants, examining the scene of an accident involving two cars, measure the skid marks of one of the cars, which nearly came to a stop before colliding, to be 85 m long. The coefficient of kinetic friction between rubber and the pavement is about 0.70. Estimate the initial speed of that car assuming a level road.

Homework Equations


Fnet=ma
Ff=(coefficient of kinetic energy) Fn
vf = vi + at

The Attempt at a Solution


i have no idea what to do since none of the formulas work with the knowns.

You should also know this formula

V2 = 2*a*x

It among others can be found here:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=905663&postcount=2

You also know that the force on the car from friction is m*a = u*m*g

Which means that a = u*g

V2 = 2*a*x = 2*u*g*x
 
LowlyPion said:
You should also know this formula

V2 = 2*a*x

It among others can be found here:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=905663&postcount=2

You also know that the force on the car from friction is m*a = u*m*g

Which means that a = u*g

V2 = 2*a*x = 2*u*g*x
what does x represent in that formula?
 
mandaa123 said:
what does x represent in that formula?

Doesn't the problem say that it decelerated over a distance of 85 m ?

Wouldn't you want to know how much the car decelerated over that distance to give you an idea of what velocity it slowed from?
 
Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
Back
Top