How Do You Calculate the Coefficient of Friction for a Slowing Truck?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the coefficient of friction for a slowing truck, the truck's acceleration during braking is determined to be -4.4 m/s² based on its travel distance of 55 m over 3 seconds. The minimum coefficient of friction required to prevent the crate from sliding is calculated as 0.449. For the truck to come to a complete stop in the same time frame, a greater negative acceleration of -8.33 m/s² is needed, resulting in a minimum coefficient of friction of 0.850. The discussion highlights potential ambiguities in the problem statement regarding the coefficients of friction for the truck and crate. Overall, the calculations and interpretations align with the requirements of the problem.
BrownBoi7
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A 4700 kg truck carrying a 900 kg crate is traveling at 25 m/s to the right along a straight, level road, as shown below.

Suppose the brakes are applied for 3.0s. During this 3.0s the truck travels 55 m.

1. Calculate the acceleration of the truck during the 3.0s interval. (Assume it is constant.)

2. Sketch a force diagram of the crate during the 3.0s interval described above.

3. Calculate the minimum coefficient of friction required to keep the crate from sliding in the back of the truck.

4. Calculate the minimum coefficient of friction required to stop the truck by the end of the 3.0s interval

My attempt:
1. Using X = Xo + Vot - 1/2at^2 a = -4.4 m/s^2
2. I got it.
3. F = ma ; F = uN
uN = ma ==> umg = ma ==> u = a/g = -4.4/9.8 = 0.449
4. This is where I need help. Since it was never mentioned that the truck came to a complete rest with -4.4 m/s^2 in 3 seconds. But now we do want it to stop in 3 secs. So I am guessing negative acceleration has to be greater.
a = (0-25 m/s)/3 sec = -8.33 m/s^2
u = a/g ==> -8.33/9.8 = 0.850
Somebody please review my answers. Did I go about them the right way?

Thanks!
 
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The problem statement in (4) is a bit unclear - for example, truck and crate could have different coefficients of friction, or the crate could have the coefficient from (3) and the truck has to compensate for that, or whatever. Well, I think your interpretation is the way the question is meant.
 
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