Stopping distance (work & energy)

AI Thread Summary
In an emergency stop scenario on a level dry concrete road, the friction force is approximately 80% of the vehicle's weight. To calculate the stopping distance for a vehicle traveling at 88 km/h, the work-energy theorem is essential, as it relates the initial kinetic energy to the work done by friction. The user struggles to apply the relevant equations, particularly in connecting kinetic energy and frictional work. Clarification is provided that gravitational potential energy is not applicable in this context since there is no change in height. The discussion emphasizes the need to understand how friction affects the vehicle's kinetic energy during braking.
Chica1975
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Homework Statement



in an emergency stop on a level dry concrete road the magnitude of the friction force when sliding is approx 80% of the weight of the vehicle. What stopping distance is required for a vehicle traveling at 88km/h (24.444 m.s)?

Assume that all the wheels lock when the brakes are applied

Use 9.8 m/s2 for gravitational acceleration

Homework Equations



W= F*X
.5mvE2
SumF = ma

The Attempt at a Solution



I have tried a number of combinations using the above equations - I can't figure this out.

Help anyone!
 
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Show what you tried. Hint: Use the work-energy theorem.
 
basically I tried using each of the above and nothing worked I even tried .5mvfE2 -.5mv0E2 - nothing works
 
Use my hint! (You need another formula that combines your first two.)
 
is it potential energy? PE = mgh?
 
a bit lost
 
Chica1975 said:
is it potential energy? PE = mgh?
No. Gravitational PE is not relevant here since the height doesn't change.

How does the initial KE of the car relate to the work done by friction in stopping the car?
 
to be honest I don't know - it must reduce kinetic energy or change it in some way becoz friction is going in the opposite direction?

I am completely lost.
 
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