How to Calculate Work Done by Kinetic Friction on a Toboggan?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the work done by kinetic friction on a toboggan with a total mass of 85.0 kg, gliding to a stop over a distance of 21.0 m on a horizontal surface. The coefficient of kinetic friction is given as 0.110. The correct approach involves calculating the frictional force using the equation Ff = μ * FN, where FN is the normal force (mg). The final calculated work done by kinetic friction is -1.90 x 103 J, indicating energy loss due to friction.

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  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with the concept of friction and the coefficient of kinetic friction
  • Knowledge of work-energy principles in physics
  • Ability to perform basic calculations involving mass, force, and distance
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Jimmer7
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Homework Statement


A toboggan carrying two children with a total mass of 85.0 kg reaches its maximum speed at the bottom of a hill, and then glides to a stop in 21.0 m along a horizontal surface. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the toboggan and the snow surface is 0.110. Calculate the work done by the kinetic friction?


Homework Equations


W=FCosθΔd


The Attempt at a Solution


m = 85 kg
Δd = 21.0 m
θ = 0
W = ?
Mu = 0.110

I'm pretty confused on this, do I somehow get Mu to Ff and then plug it into the work equation?

The final answer is -1.90 x10^3 J but from what I've tried I never got it.
 
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Jimmer7 said:

Homework Statement


A toboggan carrying two children with a total mass of 85.0 kg reaches its maximum speed at the bottom of a hill, and then glides to a stop in 21.0 m along a horizontal surface. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the toboggan and the snow surface is 0.110. Calculate the work done by the kinetic friction?


Homework Equations


W=FCosθΔd


The Attempt at a Solution


m = 85 kg
Δd = 21.0 m
θ = 0
W = ?
Mu = 0.110

I'm pretty confused on this, do I somehow get Mu to Ff and then plug it into the work equation?

The final answer is -1.90 x10^3 J but from what I've tried I never got it.

There's no angle in the problem, so your Relevant Equation is not what you need here.

The toboggan is traveling horizontally as it slows to a stop due to friction. So, it looks like you'll need to find the frictional force acting (what equation will you apply?) and then an equation relating force and distance to work done. What equation might that be?
 
gneill said:
There's no angle in the problem, so your Relevant Equation is not what you need here.

The toboggan is traveling horizontally as it slows to a stop due to friction. So, it looks like you'll need to find the frictional force acting (what equation will you apply?) and then an equation relating force and distance to work done. What equation might that be?

I tried it and I got it right. :)

I did:
FF = M.FN
FN = mg = 85 (9.8)
FF = 0.110 (85 x 9.8) = 91.7235 N
W = (91.7235)(0)(21) = 1926.1935
W = -1.90 x 10^3 J

made it cos180 which made it negative.

Thanks.
 

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