Solving Friction Problem: Distance to Stop a Car

[ksle82]

A car traveling at an initial velocity $$v_{0}$$ applies its brakes to come to a stop. The coeffictien of friction is $$\mu$$. What distance is required to stop?

I know that you can solve for x using this equation:
$$v^2=v_{0}^2+2ax$$

-but i don't know how to solve for acceleration a. any help?

 

[Office_Shredder]

Can you calculate the frictional force? If so, can you calculate the acceleration, by, say, using the definition of force? Try it out, assigning the mass to be m₀, and see what you get

 

[ksle82]

Im trying to do a force balace to find a but I am not sure this is right.

$$-\mum_{0}g=m_{0}a$$
solving for for a, i get $$a=\mug$$

 

[ksle82]

excuse my bad Latex

but it should be:

-u*Mo*g=Mo*a, solving for a,

a=-u*g

 

[daniel_i_l]

yes that's right!

 

[ksle82]

thanx 'preciate the help