Solving Work & Energy Problems: Homework Help

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem related to work and energy, specifically involving a truck's deceleration and the calculations of distance, acceleration, and energy loss due to friction. The problem includes parameters such as mass, initial speed, and time to stop.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using Newton's Second Law to find acceleration and then applying the work-energy theorem to calculate energy loss. There are questions about how to approach part (c) regarding energy loss, with some suggesting a focus on kinetic energy changes.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively exploring different methods to solve the problem, with some providing insights into the work-energy theorem and its application. There is no explicit consensus on the approach to part (c), but several lines of reasoning are being considered.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the calculations and the application of concepts, indicating a need for clarification on the work-energy theorem and its implications for energy loss in this scenario.

Chris18
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Homework Statement


Hey guys. I have a problem to solve but I am stacked and I don't now how,so any help will be hghly appreciated.The problem is the following: A truck of mass 9000kg is moving with speed 18m/s, when the driver decides to stop and applies the brakes. After 6s the truck stops. Assuming that the stopping is with constant deceleration calculate the followin:

a)The distance traveled by the car during stopping
b)The acceleration of the truck
c)The loss of energy due to friction

I would be grateful if you can give me some ideas using energy mostly but I wouldn't mind if you tell me another way through Newton Laws e.t.c!

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


So I personally started (a) by finding the acceleration through Newton's Second law a=F/m...Then I used v^2/2a to define the distance traveled (S)...So i found the acceleration in question (a) so (b) is ready as well i think..I don't know what to do in (c) though
 
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d = -(speed)^2/(2*deceleration)
is the minimum distance travelled
 
Tell us what you know about how work is calculated, and about the work-energy theorem.

Chet
 
Well work is calculated by W=F*d*cos(θ). I know the basics of the work-energy theorem. Still I can't understand how to solve part (c) of the problem...
 
Chris18 said:
Well work is calculated by W=F*d*cos(θ). I know the basics of the work-energy theorem. Still I can't understand how to solve part (c) of the problem...
What is the change in kinetic energy of the truck?

Chet
 
My idea is to use the equation of kinetic energy since the loss of energy must be equal to the initial kinetic energy of the truck according to law of conservation! Tell me if I am wrong pls! Best regards.
 

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