Chapter 4: Problem 61
A boy coasts down a hill on a sled, reaching a level surface at the bottom with a speed of \(7.0 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s}\). If the coefficient of friction between the sled's runners and the snow is \(0.050\) and the boy and sled together weigh \(600 \mathrm{~N}\), how far does the sled travel on the level surface before coming to rest?
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Determine the friction force
Utilize the work-energy principle
Calculate the mass of sled
Obtain the initial kinetic energy
Calculate the distance
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Friction Force
- The sled's runners are in contact with the snow, causing frictional resistance.
- The strength of this frictional force depends on two things: the coefficient of friction and the weight of the sled.
- In our exercise, the coefficient of friction is 0.050.
- The sled and boy weigh 600 N. From this, we calculate the friction force as: \[ \text{Friction force} = \text{Coefficient of friction} \times \text{Weight} = 0.050 \times 600 \mathrm{~N} = 30 \mathrm{~N} \]
Kinetic Energy
- The sled has kinetic energy because it is moving.
- It starts with a speed of 7.0 m/s on a level surface.
- Kinetic energy can be calculated using the formula: \[ KE = \frac{1}{2} m v^2 \]where \( m \) is the mass and \( v \) is the velocity.
- To find the initial kinetic energy:
- The sled's weight is 600 N, which gives us a mass of 61.2 kg (since weight = mass \( \times \) gravity).
- Thus, the initial kinetic energy is: \[ \frac{1}{2} \times 61.2 \mathrm{~kg} \times (7.0 \mathrm{~m/s})^2 = 1500 \mathrm{~J} \]
Motion
- The sled is moving at the bottom of the hill with a speed of 7.0 m/s.
- As it travels across the leveled snow, the friction force from the snow opposes its motion.
- This opposition causes the sled to eventually come to a rest.
- The sled starts with a "high-speed chapter" when it hits the flat ground."
- Friction slowly writes the "slowing down chapter," consuming the sled's kinetic energy.
- The story ends when the sled comes to a stop.
Physics Problem-Solving
- Identify Given Information: Start by noting down what's given - coefficient of friction, sled's weight, and initial speed.
- Find Relevant Formulas: Use the friction force formula and kinetic energy formula to connect motion with energy changes.
- Relate Work to Energy: The work-energy principle is key. It equates the work done by forces to changes in the energy of an object.
- Calculate Each Step:
- First, calculate the friction force.
- Next, determine the sled's kinetic energy.
- Finally, use these to find out how far the sled travels before stopping (i.e., solve for distance in the equation \( f \times d = \text{Initial Kinetic Energy} \)).