What is the deceleration and duration of a car skidding at 60 mi/h?

[mailman85]

Please help me with this problem. I have tried many things to solve it, but there doesn't seem to be enough supplied information. I'm sure I'm just overlooking something. Thanks.

A car traveling at 60mi/h (88ft/s) skids 176 ft after its breaks are suddenly applied. Under the assumption that the braking system provides constant deceleration, what is that deceleration? For how long does the skid continue?

 

[Hyperreality]

Hi mailman85, welcome to Physicsforums!

First this problem is suppose to be at the Physics section.

Anyway.

First, identify all the known variables. Then identify all the five kinematics equations. Now plug the known variables into one of the kinematic equation.

One thing you have to make sure is that the direction of the acceleration is negative.

 

[neomage]

You can use the following equation for acceleration. You know the initial speed the final speed and the distance. That is enough to solve for both time and acceleration.

D=T(vf+vi)/2 can be used to find time.

You should be able to find the equation for for acceleration.

hope this helps

 

[Hyperreality]

Try v^2 = u^2 + 2ad