Forces, find net with velocity and distance

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the net force acting on a car that is braking to a stop. The car's mass and initial velocity are provided, along with the distance over which it comes to a stop. The discussion revolves around the application of kinematic equations and the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of time taken to stop and question the appropriateness of using the equation v=d/t in this context. There is exploration of the relationship between distance, initial velocity, final velocity, and acceleration. Some participants express confusion over the application of formulas and the interpretation of the car's motion during the braking process.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with each other's reasoning and attempting to clarify misunderstandings. Some guidance has been provided regarding the use of kinematic equations, and there is an ongoing exploration of the correct approach to determine the net force.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the timing of the car's deceleration and the implications of using constant speed equations in a scenario where the car is slowing down. Participants are also addressing discrepancies in calculated force values.

yogoes123
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Homework Statement



Driver brakes 1420kg car moving at 64.8km/h [W]. Car slows down and comes to stop after 729m [w]

find net force

Homework Equations



a=v/t f=ma

The Attempt at a Solution



t=40.5 a= 0.44

f=1420(0.44) f= 624.8

My answer is 624.8N

TB Answer: 316N what am i doing wrong?
 
Last edited:
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Hi yogoes123. http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/5725/red5e5etimes5e5e45e5e25.gif

Your first mistake is probably in how you worked out that 40.5 secs, as you haven't shown the equation you used.
 
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I used v=d/t swapped it around and solved for t=d/v and that gave me 40.5s, is that wrong?
 
yogoes123 said:
I used v=d/t swapped it around and solved for t=d/v and that gave me 40.5s, is that wrong?
That equation relates time to the distance traveled at a constant speed.
 
So it would be correct, no? I can't figure out what i did wrong.
 
yogoes123 said:
f=1420(0.44) f= 624.8

ans is: 316N


what am i doing wrong?
You [somehow] worked out a figure of 624.8N
then you decided to halve it, and call that your answer?

How to explain that halving?
 
The TB answer is 316, my answer is 624.8, sorry I didnt make that clear.
 
yogoes123 said:
So it would be correct, no? I can't figure out what i did wrong.
As I emphasised "at a constant speed". At no time here is the vehicle traveling at a fixed speed, the vehicle is constantly slowing.

To begin over...

you need equations relating distance, initial velocity, final velocity (= 0 here) etc.

So, write down some suitable candidates.
 
I thought it starts to slow down after the 729m. Are you saying that is it slowing down within 729m?
 
  • #10
yogoes123 said:
I thought it starts to slow down after the 729m. Are you saying that is it slowing down within 729m?
At the 729m mark, it is motionless. :smile:

Where speed is constant it has acceleration = 0 (for straight line travel).
 
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  • #11
Ok I think I got this, I used Vf^2=Vi^2+2ad

Then I did a= 18^2/2/729 and i got 0.2222222 then I used F=ma and got 316, thanks so much for clearing that up.
 
  • #12
Good. :smile:
 

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