Newton's second law and direction of force

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a particle moving in a straight line at a constant speed, which is then acted upon by a constant force, bringing it to a stop over a specified distance. The subject area includes dynamics, specifically Newton's second law and kinematics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the direction of the force acting on the particle and explore various interpretations of its relationship to the particle's motion. There are attempts to calculate the deceleration and the time taken for the particle to stop, with some questioning the correctness of their calculations. Others inquire about how to determine the mass of the particle using the force and acceleration.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes multiple interpretations of the force's direction and calculations related to deceleration and time. Some participants have provided calculations, while others are seeking confirmation of their results and exploring different methods to find the mass of the particle.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework assignment, which may impose specific rules or assumptions that are not fully articulated in the discussion.

neutron star
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Homework Statement


A particle is traveling in a straight line at a constant speed of 22.1 m/s. Suddenly, a constant force of 12.6 N acts on it, bringing it to a stop in a distance of 55.3 m.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



(a) What is the direction of the force?
perpendicular to the direction of the particle's motion
*opposite the direction of the particle's motion
the same as the direction of the particle's motion
none of the above

(b) Determine the time it takes for the particle to come to a stop.
___ s

(c) What is its mass?
___ kg

F=ma
V_f=0
V_f ^2 = V_i ^2 + 2a(X-X_i)
0^2=(22.1m/s)^2 + 2a(55.3m)
0=(22.1m/s)+at
 
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neutron star said:
F=ma
V_f=0
V_f ^2 = V_i ^2 + 2a(X-X_i)
0^2=(22.1m/s)^2 + 2a(55.3m)
0=(22.1m/s)+at


Yes so the deceleration is ? And the time taken is?
 
0=22.1m/s^2+2a(55.3)
-110.6a=488.41m/s
a=-4.416m/s

0=22.1m/s^2+(-4.416m/s)t
22.1m/s^2/4.416m/s=5.004s
t=5.004s

Is this right?

How do I get mass from this? F=ma right, so m=F/a or 12.6=m(-4.416)
or m=12.6/-4.416. But it doesn't seem to work...
 
Last edited:
c) Use 1/2*m*v^2 = F*d
 

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