Calculating Friction on a Golf Ball in Rough Grass

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The discussion focuses on calculating the friction acting on a golf ball as it rolls to a stop in rough grass. Participants emphasize the importance of using a free body diagram (FBD) to identify that friction is the only force acting on the ball. The initial velocity of the ball is given as 10 km/h, and it stops after traveling 30 cm. Calculations reveal a friction force of approximately 0.644N, which aligns with the derived acceleration of about -12.88 m/s². The conversation highlights the relationship between force, distance, velocity, and mass in solving the problem, while also addressing the neglect of gravity in the calculations.
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The question is a 50g golf ball rolls horizontally to a stop in 30 cm of rough grass, as it just misses the green. The ball was moving at 10km/h [east] as it entered the rough grass. What is the frictional on the ball during the slowing down? Assume it was unifrom. Include an FBD and neglect gravity.?

How do you find friction??
 
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Draw a free body diagram, identify that the only force acting is friction. The problem tells you that it took 30cm for the ball to stop.

Think of an equation that relates Force, distance, velocity and mass.

I can think of two.
 
I used the v2(squared)=v1(squared) +2a*d
My accelration i got around -12.88m/s
and for the friction i got 0.643N?? does this sound right??
 
Last edited:
Have you tried energy?
 
it was strictly a friction question, without using any energy methods, although they could have been used. Is my answer correct??
 
Your measured acceleration times your mass should equal your friction.
 
F*d = \frac{m*v^2}{2}

By conservation of energy.
 
Do you know much about free body diagrams??
 
we know everything about free body diagrams...:)

marlon
 
  • #10
\Rightarrow V_0
\Leftarrow F_f, F_n

How do you put mroe than one letter in a subscript?
 
  • #11
alright, ill never never question your knowledge again :smile:

well for the question first asked, i got a friction of 0.644N. So for the FBD would there be an arrow going left being the 0.644N and one right. The one right labeled something like F less then 0.644N since it is coming to a stop. It also says to neglect gravity so I am not worry about that.
 
  • #12
Whozum, just use the {} signs like this

a_{mama mia 2}

marlon
 
  • #13
The only arrows you should have are the ones I showed above

\Rightarrow V_0
\Leftarrow F_{friction}, F_{net}

You may not even need the F_{net}

There is only one force acting, the force of friction, and it is directed to the left, opposite the direction of motion. There is nothing pushing the ball to the right.
 
  • #14
Then what does the V0 stand for ?? and doesn't the ball still have the force on it from before when it was hit?? or i guess the question means right then, so just friction? ok, that makes sense then
 
  • #15
vo is the initial velocity

marlon
 
  • #16
alright, thanks for all your help marlon and whozum! :smile:
 
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