How Much Force Did Josie and Charlotte Apply to the Sandbag?

AI Thread Summary
Josie and Charlotte apply a force to push a 12-kg sandbag on a frictionless surface, achieving a final speed of 0.5 m/s over 6 meters. The relevant equations include F=MA and the work-energy principle, which states that the work done equals the kinetic energy gained. The initial misunderstanding involved incorrectly equating force with velocity instead of considering acceleration. The correct approach involves calculating work as F*d = 1/2*m*v^2. Clarification on these concepts helps resolve the confusion regarding the force applied.
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Homework Statement



Josie and Charlotte push a 12-kg bag of playground sand for a sandbox on a frictionless, horizontal, wet polyvinyl surface with a constant, horizontal force for a distance of 6 m, starting from rest. If the final speed of the sand bag is 0.5 m/s, what is the magnitude of the force with which they pushed

Homework Equations




F=MA
W=Fdelta(r)cos(theta)

The Attempt at a Solution


since cos0= 1 I thought it was 36 because W/6=F so w/6=12(.5) so how is W not 36. I'm obnviously forgetting a crucial step but don't understand where. Any help would be great, Thanks a lot.
 
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Looks like you are using the idea that the work done equals the kinetic energy acquired.
That would be F*d = 1/2*m*v^2 and it should work well!

In writing F = 12(.5), you are confusing acceleration (unknown) with velocity (.5).
 
Alright thanks a lot that makes sense! :)
 
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