Solving the Impulse-Momentum Equation for a Coasting Car

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on applying the impulse-momentum equation to calculate the average braking force exerted on a coasting car with a mass of 1000 kg, initially traveling at 100 km/h down a 10-degree slope, which slows to 50 km/h in 8 seconds. The average braking force calculated is approximately 3400 N. Participants clarify the use of the equation F = mdv/dt and the significance of drawing a free body diagram (FBD) to analyze forces acting on the car. The final computed force is 3439 N, demonstrating the effectiveness of the impulse-momentum approach in solving dynamics problems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the impulse-momentum theorem
  • Familiarity with Newton's second law of motion
  • Ability to perform basic calculus operations, particularly integration
  • Knowledge of free body diagram (FBD) analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of the impulse-momentum theorem
  • Learn how to construct and analyze free body diagrams in dynamics
  • Explore the effects of friction on motion in inclined planes
  • Investigate the relationship between acceleration, force, and mass in various contexts
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, particularly those studying mechanics, as well as educators looking for practical examples of applying the impulse-momentum equation in real-world scenarios.

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Homework Statement



A coasting car with a mass of 1000 kg has a speed of 100 km/h down a 10
degree slope when the brakes are applied. if the car is slowed to a speed of 50
km/ h in 8s, compute using the impulse-momentum equation the average of the total braking force exerted by the road on all the tires during the period. Treat the car as a particle and neglect air resistance.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


The impulse-momentum equation states that the sum of Forces F = mdv/dt
so we turn this equation into an integral and solve, I know that the answer is 3400 N but do not know how to get it. any help?
 
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For this, I'm going to take up the ramp to be the positive direction and down the ramp to be the negative direction.

Let F be the net force (this should end up being positive, since the initial velocity is negative, based on the definition above, and the car is slowing down).
Let f be the frictional force (should be positive, for the same reasons).

By drawing the FBD, you should see that:

F = f - mg \sin 10 ^\circ
OR:
f = F + mg \sin 10 ^\circ

Also, we know the average acceleration of the car, so we know F:

F = m \frac{dv}{dt} = ma = m \frac{ (- \frac{50}{3.6})-(-\frac{100}{3.6}) }{ 8 } = m \frac{50}{8*3.6}

The rest is pretty obvious (I got 3439 N, which I figure is close enough).

I'm not sure why you would want to integrate F = mdv/dt, since you're looking for a force.

Just out of curiosity, which form of Newton's 2nd law were you taught is called the "impulse-momentum equation"? It's the first time I've heard the term used.
 

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