Stopping distance given Vinitial and distance

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To determine the minimum stopping distance for a car moving at 25.0 m/s, the initial calculations incorrectly applied the stopping distance formula. The correct approach indicates that doubling the speed results in quadrupling the kinetic energy, which significantly increases the stopping distance. The user initially calculated a stopping time of 38 seconds, leading to an unrealistic distance of 483 meters. The confusion stemmed from misapplying the equations of motion, particularly mixing up time and distance variables. Correcting these errors reveals that the stopping distance should be recalculated based on the proper application of physics principles.
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Homework Statement


It takes a minimum distance of 41.14 m to stop a car moving at 11.0 m/s by applying the brakes (without locking the wheels). Assume that the same frictional forces apply and find the minimum stopping distance when the car is moving at 25.0 m/s.


Homework Equations



I'm using:
d=1/2(Vf + Vi) * T

and:

v^2 = u^2 + 2as

The Attempt at a Solution



So here we go, I'm going to calculate the time to stop using the first formula:
41.14 = 1/2(0+11) * T
T = 7.48

Cool, makes sense, alright. Now I'm going to use that number to get the acceleration:

0^2 = 11^2 + (2 * a * 7.48)
a = -8.088
Makes plenty of logical sense, am I right? Sweet,
Now I'm taking the acceleration and figuring out the stopping time of the faster moving vehicle like so

0^2 = 25^2+(2*-8.088*t)
t=38.64
This is weird, it takes 38 seconds for the car to stop, oh well let's see the distance

d = 1/2(Vf + Vi) * t
d = 1/2(0+25) * 38.64
d = 483 meters

Yeah no way...plug it in as the answer and no dice.

What am I doing wrong? Am I completely off here? Help!
 
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0^2 = 11^2 + (2 * a * 7.48)
a = -8.088

This step is wrong.
It should be
v^2 = u^2 -2*a*s, and s = 41.14 m
 
You have mixed up the equations near the end
it's v^2 = u^2 + 2 a S , you seem to have done '2 a T'

As a rough estimate, the ke of the car is proprtional to v^2 so double the speed is 4x the energy = 4x the stopping distance
 
rl.bhat said:
0^2 = 11^2 + (2 * a * 7.48)
a = -8.088

This step is wrong.
It should be
v^2 = u^2 -2*a*s, and s = 41.14 m

I'm an idiot! Thanks for the help!
 
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