Kinetics of Particles work and energy; A moving car

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the stopping distance of a car weighing 2 Mg traveling at 100 km/h, factoring in a reaction time of 0.75 seconds and a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.25. The initial kinetic energy is calculated using the formula 1/2 * m * v^2, resulting in 10,000 J. The work done by friction is represented as U = -4.905Δs. The correct stopping distance is determined to be 178 meters, which requires accounting for the distance traveled during the driver's reaction time before braking begins.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as kinetic energy and work-energy principle.
  • Familiarity with the equations of motion for uniformly accelerated motion.
  • Knowledge of unit conversions, specifically converting km/h to m/s.
  • Ability to apply the concept of friction in motion calculations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to convert units from km/h to m/s for accurate calculations.
  • Study the equations of motion, particularly for calculating distance under constant acceleration.
  • Explore the work-energy theorem and its applications in real-world scenarios.
  • Investigate the effects of different coefficients of friction on stopping distances.
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of vehicle stopping distances and the impact of friction.

sharpe_116
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Homework Statement



The 2Mg (i assumed mega-gram, not sure if that is the correct term) car has a velocity of v= 100km/h when the driver sees an obstacle in front of the car.

If it takes 0.75 s for him to react and lock the brakes, causing the car to skid, determine the distance the car travels before it stops. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the tires and the road is Uk= 0.25.


Homework Equations



Work and energy for a system of particles:

[tex]\Sigma[/tex]T1 + [tex]\Sigma[/tex]U = [tex]\Sigma[/tex]T2

T's represent initial and final kinetic energy respectively, 1/2*m*v^2
U represents all work done by external and internal forces acting on the system.

Work of a constant force along a straight line:

U = Fcos[tex]\vartheta[/tex]([tex]\Delta[/tex]s)


The Attempt at a Solution



So i tried to apply my basic equation to the question

[tex]\Sigma[/tex]T1 + [tex]\Sigma[/tex]U = [tex]\Sigma[/tex]T2

T2 equals zero (i assumed) because the car will come to rest at the end of the question
T1 will equal 1/2 mv^2 which is equal to 1/2 *(2Mg * 100km/h^2) = 10000

since the only work acting in this question is the friction force Caused by the car braking
U = Fcos[tex]\vartheta[/tex]([tex]\Delta[/tex]s) therefore
U = Ff(force of friction)*[tex]\Delta[/tex]s which is = -4.905[tex]\Delta[/tex]s (negative because friction force acts in the negative direction)

so to summarize i now have

10000 -4905[tex]\Delta[/tex]s = 0.

i solved for delta s and got 2038, but this is obviously incorrect, i don't know how to apply the time delay into this question. For reference the correct answer is s = 178m

I just started this chapter and don't have my bearings yet so if you could please explain clearly how to proceed it would be appreciated, thank you
 

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Without doing any of my own work, here are a few pointers:
Be sure to account the fact that the given velocity is in km/h and not m/s.
Remember that the work done by a constant force can be written as F*x where x is the distance along which the force did the work.

Now, to account for the time delay, simply find the distance the car would have traveled in that time and add it to the final distance to find the distance the driver travels before stopping.
 
use equations of motion to get this one
 

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