Mass 50kg Box Slows to Halt on Friction: 14.5m Distance

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    Friction Mechanics
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a 50 kg box that slows down from an initial speed of 10 m/s due to friction and an applied tension force. Participants are attempting to determine the distance the box traveled before the tension in the string broke, given that the total distance traveled under friction alone is 14.5 m.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the deceleration using the equation F = m × a, arriving at a value of -2.5 m/s², and attempts to find the distance traveled before the string broke.
  • Another participant proposes that the applied force of 25 N acts in the same direction as the friction force before the string breaks, leading to a different interpretation of the problem.
  • Multiple participants express confusion about the problem's wording and the assumptions made in the calculations.
  • There are conflicting interpretations of the calculations leading to the distance of 13 m before the string broke, with some participants asserting that the solution is poorly worded.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct approach to the problem, with differing interpretations of the forces acting on the box and the resulting calculations. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact distance traveled before the string broke.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential ambiguities in the problem's wording and the assumptions regarding the direction of forces, which may affect the calculations and interpretations.

Shah 72
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A box of mass 50 kg is slowing down from 10 m/s on a rough horizontal ground. The coefficient of friction between the box and the ground is 0.3. To start with, the box is being slowed by a string providing a tension of 25N horizontally. Then the string breaks and the box comes to a halt under friction alone after a total distance of 14.5m. Find how far the box traveled before the string broke.
 
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show your work on this problem, please
 
skeeter said:
show your work on this problem, please
I don't understand how to approach this problem.
m=50kg, it says slowing down from 10m/s, so it's decelerating, u=10m/s
Using F=m×a, 25-(0.3×500)=50a, a=-2.5m/s^2. By taking the total distance traveled under friction, I get v=5.24m/s, so making the assumption that the box comes to halt instantly, I got s= 1.05m when subtracted from total distance I get 13.5 m but the ans is 13m
 
To get 13m as the solution, the 25N applied force acts in the same direction as the friction force before the string breaks.

$v_f^2 = 10^2 - 2(3.5) \cdot \Delta x_1 \implies v_f^2 = 100 - 7\Delta x_1$

after the string breaks ...

$0^2 = (100 - 7\Delta x_1) - 2(3) \cdot \Delta x_2$

$\Delta x_2 = 14.5 - \Delta x_1 \implies 100 - 7\Delta x_1 = 6(14.5 - \Delta x_1) \implies \Delta x_1 = 13 \, m$

poorly worded problem. imho.
 
skeeter said:
To get 13m as the solution, the 25N applied force acts in the same direction as the friction force before the string breaks.

$v_f^2 = 10^2 - 2(3.5) \cdot \Delta x_1 \implies v_f^2 = 100 - 7\Delta x_1$

after the string breaks ...

$0^2 = (100 - 7\Delta x_1) - 2(3) \cdot \Delta x_2$

$\Delta x_2 = 14.5 - \Delta x_1 \implies 100 - 7\Delta x_1 = 6(14.5 - \Delta x_1) \implies \Delta x_1 = 13 \, m$

poorly worded problem. imho.
Thank you so so much!
 

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