Where did this formula come from?

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SUMMARY

The formula μ(m + M)g * x = 1/2(m + M) v^2 derives from the work-energy theorem, which states that the total work done on an object equals its change in kinetic energy. In this discussion, the user calculated the final velocity (vf) of a bullet and block system using conservation of momentum, resulting in vf = 7.32 m/s. Subsequently, they applied the work-energy principle to determine the distance traveled (x) as 10.9 m by rearranging the formula. The discussion emphasizes the relationship between work, kinetic energy, and distance in physics problems involving friction and motion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the work-energy theorem
  • Familiarity with conservation of momentum
  • Knowledge of basic kinematic equations
  • Concept of friction and its coefficient (μ)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the work-energy theorem in detail
  • Learn about conservation of momentum in collision scenarios
  • Explore kinematic equations for motion analysis
  • Investigate the effects of friction on motion and energy
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Students in physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of energy conservation and motion dynamics.

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Homework Statement


In the attachment problem i was able to find the final velocity, from there someone helped me and got a formula that really confuses me. μ(m + M)g *x = 1/2(m + M) v^2





Homework Equations


All the work is write and the answer i just don't understand how they got
μ(m + M)g *x = 1/2(m + M) v^2




The Attempt at a Solution


The mass of the bulet m = 125g = 0.125kg

the mass of the block M = 5kg

the speed of the bullet vi = 300m/s

from law of conservation of momentum

mvi = (m + M)vf

then vf = mvi / (m + M)

= (0.125)(300)/(0.125 + 5)

= 7.32 m/s

Now from work energy theorem

W = ΔK

μ(m + M)g *x = 1/2(m + M) v^2

therefore the distance traveled


x = v^2 / μg = (7.32)^2 / (0.25)(9.8)(2) = 10.9 m
 

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XwakeriderX said:

Homework Statement


In the attachment problem i was able to find the final velocity, from there someone helped me and got a formula that really confuses me. μ(m + M)g *x = 1/2(m + M) v^2

Homework Equations


All the work is write and the answer i just don't understand how they got
μ(m + M)g *x = 1/2(m + M) v^2

The equation comes from
Now from work energy theorem

W = ΔK

μ(m + M)g *x = 1/2(m + M) v^2

therefore the distance traveled


x = v^2 / μg = (7.32)^2 / (0.25)(9.8)(2) = 10.9 m
Are you familiar with the work energy theorem, which states that the total work done on an object is equal to its change in kinetic energy? If not, you can use Newton's 2nd law to find the acceleration, and then use the kinematic motion equations to find the distance traveled.
 
Hmm i found that W=FD and Fk=μkmg therefore W=μkmgD
Now i used W=(1/2)mv^2 then set them equal to each other then solved for D. It worked for me i hope I am not breaking any rules! I'll also try your way! Thanks!
 

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