Solving Friction Problem: Distance to Stop a Car

  • Thread starter Thread starter ksle82
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Friction
AI Thread Summary
To determine the distance required for a car to stop, the initial velocity and coefficient of friction are essential. The equation v^2 = v_{0}^2 + 2ax can be used to find the stopping distance, where acceleration a is derived from the frictional force. The frictional force is calculated as -μm_{0}g, leading to the acceleration formula a = -μg. This confirms that the negative sign indicates deceleration due to friction. Understanding these relationships is crucial for solving the friction problem effectively.
ksle82
Messages
30
Reaction score
0
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?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
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
 
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
 
Last edited:
excuse my bad Latex

but it should be:

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

a=-u*g
 
yes that's right!
 
thanx 'preciate the help
 
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

Help with question on motion: Avoiding a rear-end collision
Replies
6
Views
3K
Coefficient of Friction question for a cart going down a wooden ramp
Replies
18
Views
3K
Distance travelled by a car considering only air friction?
Replies
4
Views
2K
Car that undergoes non-uniform circular motion
Replies
1
Views
1K
Block on top of moving slab, with a rough surface - When does v_b=v_s?
Replies
27
Views
1K
Stopping distances on a downward slope
Replies
3
Views
2K
Rolling without slipping problem
Replies
42
Views
3K
Thermally insulated container with alternating series of walls
Replies
49
Views
2K
Optimizing energy expenditure over a race course in cycling
Replies
8
Views
890
Question about car braking and tire friction
Replies
19
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top