What Is the Distance Traveled by a Disc on a Block Before Coming to Rest?

AI Thread Summary
A 0.2 kg disc slides down from a height of 1.8 m and collides with a rough 1 kg block, experiencing a friction force of 1.2 N. The initial velocity of the disc is calculated to be 6 m/s, leading to a momentum conservation equation that results in a velocity of 1 m/s for the block. The acceleration of the disc is determined to be -6 m/s², while the block's acceleration is 1 m/s². The calculations for the distance traveled by the disc on the block yield conflicting results, indicating a potential error in the approach. The discussion suggests re-evaluating the figures and considering energy conservation methods for a more accurate solution.
chingcx
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Homework Statement



A 0.2 kg disc slides down from smooth track of height 1.8m. It arrives at a rough 1 kg block resting on a smooth surface. The friction between them is 1.2N. Find the distance traveled by the disc on the block before it comes to rest relative to the block.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



use observer frame:
velocity=6 m/s
then I use conservation of linear momentum, because only internal forces.
m1u1=m1v1+m2v2
0.2(6)=1.2(v)
v=1 m/s

f=1.2N to right on the block, to left on the disc
a of disc=-6m/s^2
a of block= 1 m/s^2

for the disc, v^2-u^2=2as
-35=2(-6)s
s=35/12 m

for the block,
1=2(1)(s)
s=0.5 m

so it moves 2.41 m on the surface


but when I find the time required
for the disc, v=u+at
1=6+(-6)t
t=5/6 s

for the block
1=0+(1)(t)
t= 1s

They are different?

I know my answer of 2.41 m must be wrong, but where is my mistakes?
thank you!
 
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Hi chingcx! :smile:
chingcx said:
A 0.2 kg disc slides down from smooth track of height 1.8m. It arrives at a rough 1 kg block resting on a smooth surface. The friction between them is 1.2N. Find the distance traveled by the disc on the block before it comes to rest relative to the block.

then I use conservation of linear momentum, because only internal forces.
m1u1=m1v1+m2v2
0.2(6)=1.2(v)
v=1 m/s

I don't follow this: it's not an impulsive collision :confused:
f=1.2N to right on the block, to left on the disc
a of disc=-6m/s^2
a of block= 1 m/s^2
Correct method, but check your figures.

for the disc, v^2-u^2=2as …

I'm not sure what you're doing here.

You can either use v2 = u2 + 2as for each body, and find what s gives the same v,

or (especially since it seems they want you to use conservation) you can use change in energy = work done (1/2 m v2 = 1/2 m u2 + Fs), which amounts to the same thing (and they give you F anyway, plus this avoids working out what a is) :wink:
 
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