Force of Friction: Calculating Car's Acceleration

In summary, the conversation is about finding the average force of friction on a car that runs out of gas and coasts to a stop. The key steps in solving this problem include finding the car's acceleration and using the equation F=ma to calculate the friction force.
  • #1
elissadi
10
0
I'm stuck! Please help! I have been looking @ this problem for 2 hours! :uhh:
A 1200 kg car has a speed of 30 m/s - it runs out of gas and coasts, stopping in 40 secs. What is average force of friction on the car?
Do you find the car's acceleration first? There is no force, so you can't use a=F/m
 
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  • #2
You should be able to find the acceleration. Acceleration is the change of speed divided by the time taken. You know the time, how about the speed?
 
  • #3
You get the acceleration by using the speed divided by 40 seconds.
 
  • #4
Ok...

Ok, thanks...I found the acceleration, now how does that fit into the rest of the situation?
 
  • #5
The friction force causes the acceleration of that mass (car). Use F = ma.
 
  • #6
find the deceleration, then apply the eqn F=ma
 

1. What is the force of friction?

The force of friction is a force that resists the motion of an object when it is in contact with another surface.

2. How is the force of friction calculated?

The force of friction can be calculated by multiplying the coefficient of friction (a measure of how easily two surfaces slide past each other) by the normal force (the force pushing the two surfaces together).

3. How does friction affect a car's acceleration?

Friction plays a significant role in a car's acceleration. The force of friction acts in the opposite direction of the car's motion, so it can slow down the car's acceleration. This is why it is important for cars to have good tires with high amounts of friction to maintain traction and accelerate efficiently.

4. What factors can affect the force of friction in a car?

The force of friction in a car can be affected by a number of factors, including the type and condition of the tires, the weight of the car, the surface it is driving on, and the speed of the car.

5. How can the force of friction be reduced in a car?

The force of friction can be reduced in a car by using lubricants or materials that have a lower coefficient of friction, such as oil or low-friction tires. Additionally, maintaining proper tire pressure and driving at lower speeds can also help reduce friction and improve a car's acceleration.

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