Nonconstant Acceleration Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a 2 kg box experiencing nonconstant acceleration due to friction, described by the force equation |Ff| = 4.3(1+x^0.5) N, as it moves a distance of 20 cm. Participants are exploring the implications of this force on the box's speed over the given distance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to integrate the work done by the friction force due to its nonconstant nature. There are questions about the necessity of calculating the normal force and the interpretation of the variable x in the friction equation. Some participants express uncertainty about the integration process and its application in this context.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing clarification regarding the calculation of forces and the integration of work done by nonconstant forces. Some participants have identified potential errors in their reasoning, while others seek further clarification on the points raised. The discussion remains active with various interpretations being explored.

Contextual Notes

The problem is framed within a homework context, with participants adhering to guidelines that discourage providing direct solutions. There is a focus on understanding the physics involved and the mathematical implications of the nonconstant acceleration.

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Homework Statement



A 2 kg box is moving at 2 m/s, the box is being slowed by friciton such| Ff| = 4.3(1+x0.5) N. What is the speed of the box after moving 20 cm?

Homework Equations



W=1/2mV^2-1/2mV0^2
W=FΔxCos(θ)
0=N+∑Fy
Friction=μN

The Attempt at a Solution


So I realize that this is a nonconstant acceleration problem, meaning total work ends up being the integral of FΔxCos(θ), rather than just FΔx.
My knowns are:
Friction=Ff=4.2(1+x^.5)N
Vf= ?
V0= 2m/s
m=2kg
Weight=Fg=2kg*-9.8m/s^2=-19.6N
Normal=N=?
Time=?
ΔX=.2m

I can find normal using 0=N+∑Fy, where all forces pushing in the downward direction are canceled out by the normal force. So N=-∑Fy and since there is only gravity pushing on the box, the Normal force is 19.6 N upwards.

I input the normal force into the friction formula to get:
Ff=4.2(1+x^.5)19.6=84.28+82.28x^.5

Work also equals 1/2mV^2-1/2mV0^2, inputting all I know, I get 1/2*2*V^2-1/2*2*2^2=(V^2)-4

The only force working on the system in the direction of work (x-axis) is friction, so the net force is Ff. Therefore, W=FΔxCos(θ)=FfΔxCos(180)=-FfΔx

I set this equal to (V^2)-4
-FfΔx=(V^2)-4

This is where I begin to struggle. I am pretty sure you need to integrate the left side of the equation, since this problem has nonconstant acceleration, but I'm bad at calculus and also unsure about the physics. Anyways, I ended up with
-FfΔx=-(84.28+84.28x^.5)dx, integrating from 0 to .2
56.187x^1.5+85.28x (from 0 to 0.2)=-21.8815
-21.8815=V^2-4
-17.88=V^2
... and that's where I grind to a halt.
I'm sure I did something completely wrong, or totally interpreted the problem incorrectly but for the life of me I can't figure out what. I would really appreciate some feed back on what I did wrong and what I can do to solve this problem.
Also, this is a multiple choice problem so the choices are:
1.7 m/s
2.66 m/s
0.58 m/s
1.42 m/s
Thanks!
 
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I don't understand why you calculate any normal forces.
The force from friction is given in the problem statement, you don't have to calculate it (especially not with a different result...). You can assume it acts directly against the direction of motion, the problem is 1-dimensional and you don't have to care about angles.

| Ff| = 4.3(1+x0.5) N
Do you mean ##| Ff| = 4.3(1+x^{0.5}) N##?
What is x? The length in some unit?

Work also equals 1/2mV^2-1/2mV0^2, inputting all I know, I get 1/2*2*V^2-1/2*2*2^2=(V^2)-4
Don't forget units.
W=FΔxCos(θ)
This does not work if the force is not constant over Δx.
This is where I begin to struggle. I am pretty sure you need to integrate the left side of the equation
You need an integration, indeed.

-FfΔx=-(84.28+84.28x^.5)dx, integrating from 0 to .2
I guess if you fix the errors I pointed out, the rest should be fine.
 
Hi, thanks for the help, but I don't understand what errors you pointed out, could you clarify?

1. Yes, that is the equation that I meant. The problem never specified what x was, but I assumed it was the distance traveled at time (t).

2. Thanks, I won't forget units

3. I used the integral of FΔxCos(θ) from point a to b to find the work done by a nonconstant force, as opposed to just FΔx without integration, does this not work? If it doesn't what should I do instead?

4. Thanks for the confirmation

5. I appreciate the help, but could you clarify the errors I made?
 
I found out what I was doing wrong, in |Ff|=4.3(1+x0.5)N N is Newtons not the normal force. If you don't multiply by the normal force, you end up with 2.89=Vf^2 and that gives 1.7 as an answer, which is one of the possible selections.
Thanks!
 

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