Solving Distance Traveled Using Coefficient of Friction

AI Thread Summary
To solve for distance traveled using the coefficient of friction and initial velocity, one must consider the relationship between frictional force and acceleration. The equation vf^2 = vi^2 + 2a(xf - xi) can be applied, but the acceleration (a) must be derived from the frictional force, which is calculated using F_f = μF_n. The coefficient of friction (μ) is crucial as it determines the deceleration due to friction. It's important to recognize that mass is not needed directly in this context, as the frictional force provides the necessary acceleration. Understanding these relationships is key to solving the problem effectively.
idontspeakmath
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
if you are given the coefficient of friction, initial velocity, and asked for the distance traveled, how would you do it? my first instinct is to use the vf^2=vi^2+2a(xf-xi), but i don't think that coefficient of friction is hanging out there for no reason?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You're right - it's not hanging out there for no reason!

What, exactly, is the quantity a you wrote in your equation?
 
i was assuming a=9.8, but i guess that was bad physics.
i'm tempted to relate this to f=ma, but there's no mass!

man, the last chapter has twice as many equations as the previous chapters combined. :(
 
Presumably, somewhere in that chapter, there was discussion of the force of friction. Does this ring a bell? F_f = \mu F_n, i.e. the frictional force is proportional to the normal force. Can you guess what the proportionality constant is? :)
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Similar threads

Distance travelled by a car considering only air friction?
Replies
4
Views
2K
Why do I keep getting friction coefficient as a negative?
Replies
17
Views
3K
Distance traveled by a Ball affected by friction after t seconds
Replies
4
Views
2K
Friction Required for Billiard Ball to Roll without Slipping
2
Replies
60
Views
4K
A problem from a physics national competition
Replies
13
Views
1K
Coefficient of Friction question for a cart going down a wooden ramp
Replies
18
Views
3K
Finding the work done by a block
Replies
4
Views
3K
Static Friction Between a Box and the Floor
Replies
11
Views
3K
Does coefficient of kinetic friction depend on speed?
Replies
16
Views
5K
Finding friction force *without* mass or coefficient
Replies
7
Views
7K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top