Help Solving a Sled Friction Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a sled moving on a horizontal surface with friction. The original poster is trying to determine how far the sled travels before stopping, given specific coefficients of kinetic and static friction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster outlines their thought process involving free body diagrams and the relationship between net force and acceleration. They express confusion about the necessity of mass in their calculations. Other participants question the need for mass and suggest that the original poster can proceed with their current approach.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing guidance and prompting the original poster to reconsider their approach. There is an exploration of the relationship between frictional force and acceleration, indicating a productive direction in the conversation.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions a time constraint due to an upcoming midterm, which may influence their urgency in seeking help. There is also an indication of uncertainty regarding the role of mass in the problem-solving process.

saralsaigh
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Sled question

I have a physics midterm tonite and i was trying some of the practice tests and i got stuck on this question, ur help would be greatly appreciated :)

1. The problem:
A sled is traveling at 4.00m/s along a horizontal stretch of snow. The coefficeint of kinetic friction is Uk=0.05 and the coefficient of static friction Us=0.07. How far does the sled go before stopping?


2.This is my thought process:
Ok I am assuming its moving at constant speed and the acceleration is negative so i drew the FBD with weight down, normal forced up and force of kinetic friction to the left. (Assuming its moving to the right) i thought that Fnet= force of friction (x-direction) = m a , and that by solving for acceleration i can use it to find out the distance however i don't have mass so I didnt know wat to do?! Any suggestions?


3. The answer is actually 16.3m
 
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Why would you need to know the mass?
 
I think if you just follow thru with what you have done already, you are there:

set ma=frictional force and solve for a.
 
well if what i said was correct and fnet(x-direction) = ma = Ff, then
ma = Ukmg right? ohhh ic...lol so a=Ukg... my bad this is where i make another stupid mistake...THANKS
 

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