How Does Friction Affect Falling Objects?

  • Thread starter Thread starter hybridized
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Energy Momentum
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the effects of friction on a falling object, specifically a hard hat dropped from a height. The original poster seeks to determine the average force of friction acting on the object during its fall.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of the work-energy theorem and its components, including kinetic and potential energy changes. There are attempts to relate these concepts to the calculation of frictional force.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on using the work-energy theorem, while others are exploring how to apply it to find the force of friction. There is an ongoing exchange of ideas, with no explicit consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses uncertainty about the equations to use and the steps to take, indicating a need for clarification on the application of the work-energy theorem in this context.

hybridized
Messages
11
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A construction worker at the top of a ladder drops her 250 g hard hat from a height of 22m. When it reaches the ground it is traveling at 9.0 m/s. What was the average fore of friction as it fell.



Homework Equations


Stuck here...


The Attempt at a Solution


Can't figure out what equations to use... Tried finding t, then using ft=mv and solving for t, but that does work.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Use the work energy theorem.
 
Xisune said:
Use the work energy theorem.

Would you mind explaining buddy, kinda lost...
 
W = ΔEk + ΔEp

W is work due to friction.
ΔEk is the change in kinetic energy.
ΔEp is the change in gravitational potential energy.

In this case, the hat gains kinetic energy but loses potential energy, so ΔEk is positive, and ΔEp is negative.
 
KK I got that, but how would I go on to finding the force of friction?
 
W = F x d, you know what d is.
 
O I see now, so solving for F would give you the average force. True, thanks buddy mind taking a look at my other thread? Title is Momentum + Energy :)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
16K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
40
Views
9K
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
10K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
23
Views
4K