- #1
jmlibunao
- 16
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Homework Statement
A particle of mass m kg is traveling in a horizontal straight line with a velocity u m/s. It is brought to rest by means of a resisting force of magnitude km(2u - v), where v is the velocity of the particle at any instant and k is a positive constant.
Find the distance traveled by the particle while v decreases from u top zero
Homework Equations
F = ma
K = (1/2)(m)(v^2)
I think you're also going to need the formula for conservation of energy as well
K1 + E1 = K2 + E2
The Attempt at a Solution
I made this equation F = ma = km(2u - v) and then solved for a as a = k(2u - v)
I tried using the kinematic equation vf = vi + at, where vf = 0 and vi = u and solved for time, t. Then I plugged t into xf = xi + vi(t) + (1/2)(a)(t^2) but I just ended up with an ugly equation filled with variables. I think you have to solve for k but I'm not sure how.
Help would be much appreciated!