Friction Force and Distance Traveled

In summary, a puck with a mass of 0.12kg is given an initial speed of 5.3m/s on a hockey rink. The coefficient of friction is 0.11. To determine the distance the puck slides before coming to rest, the first equation F(net)=ma can be used by identifying the net force acting on the puck in the horizontal direction. This includes the normal force, friction force, and weight. The initial force from the stick giving the puck its velocity can be ignored once the puck reaches its initial speed.
  • #1
Trenier
2
0

Homework Statement


At a local hockey rink, a puck with a mass of .12kg is given an initial speed of 5.3m/s. If the coefficient of friction is .11, what distance does the puck slide before coming to rest?


Homework Equations


F(net)=ma, F(friction)=Coeff. x F(normal)


The Attempt at a Solution


I don't know where to start.. You can't find the acceleration because we don't know the time or distance, so how do you get the net force? If i could get the acceleration i could get the net force and then the distance. I am so lost..
 
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  • #2
Trenier, welcome to PF!
Use your first equation to solve for the acceleration. You know m, and you should be able to identify F_net. What forces act on the puck?
 
  • #3
You can't use the first equation becuase you don't know the acceleration. Forces acting on the puck are the Force of the stick giving it the velocity, the normal force, the friction force and the weight.
 
  • #4
Trenier said:
You can't use the first equation becuase you don't know the acceleration.
but you know the mass and you should know the net force acting on it in the horizontal direction.
Forces acting on the puck are the Force of the stick giving it the velocity,
yes, but this force disappears when the puck reaches its initial velocity and the stick loses contact with it
the normal force, the friction force and the weight.
yes, use these to calculate F_net.
 

1. What is friction force?

Friction force is the resistance force that opposes the motion of an object when it comes into contact with another surface. It is caused by the microscopic irregularities on the surfaces of the two objects, which creates a force that resists their relative motion.

2. How is friction force calculated?

Friction force can be calculated by multiplying the coefficient of friction (a measure of how easily the two surfaces slide past each other) by the normal force (the force perpendicular to the surface of contact). The equation is Ff = μN, where Ff is the friction force, μ is the coefficient of friction, and N is the normal force.

3. How does friction force affect distance traveled?

Friction force can decrease the distance traveled by an object by opposing its motion. For example, if a ball is rolling on a rough surface, the friction force between the ball and the surface will cause the ball to slow down and travel a shorter distance compared to if it were rolling on a smooth surface with less friction.

4. How can friction force be reduced?

Friction force can be reduced by using lubricants, such as oil or grease, between two surfaces. This reduces the friction between the two surfaces, allowing them to slide past each other more easily. Additionally, using smoother surfaces or reducing the weight of an object can also reduce friction force.

5. What are some real-life examples of friction force affecting distance traveled?

One example is a car traveling on a road. The friction force between the tires and the road surface causes the car to slow down and travel a shorter distance compared to if it were traveling on a frictionless surface. Another example is a hockey puck sliding on an ice rink. The friction force between the puck and the ice surface causes it to slow down and travel a shorter distance compared to if it were sliding on a surface with more friction, such as asphalt.

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