Graph of energy against distance

[arv88]

MODERATOR'S NOTE: THIS WAS MOVED FROM GENERAL PHYSICS TO HOMEWORK FORUM, SO THERE IS NO TEMPLATE

Suppose a book is given a force F across a table with with friction. It will have an initial velocity v until it comes to rest due to friction. Does anyone know what will be the graph of kinetic energy against distance?

 

[Dr. Courtney]

Since the force of friction is constant, won't it just be a decreasing line from the initial value to zero?

 

[arv88]

Do you mean a straight line with a constant negative gradient, is there an equation for this?

 

[Dr. Courtney]

Do you mean a straight line with a constant negative gradient, is there an equation for this?

Yes, of course. But this looks like a homework problem, so there are details profs leave to the diligent student.

The vertical intercept will be (0, Ei), where Ei is the initial kinetic energy.

The horizontal intercept will be (d, 0), where d is the distance the book slides.

Figure out Ei and d, and then figure out the equation of the line from the two points.

 

[arv88]

Alright, thanks, just for additional info, is the variation of the energy against speed and time the same as well, that is a constant negative gradient?

 

[Chestermiller]

Alright, thanks, just for additional info, is the variation of the energy against speed and time the same as well, that is a constant negative gradient?

If this is not a homework problem, it like a homework problem, and should be in the homework forum. I'm moving it. Also, OP, you have shown no effort to solve this problem. Please see the PF rules and guidelines.

Chet