Stopping distance given Vinitial and distance

In summary, the minimum stopping distance for a car moving at 25.0 m/s is 483 meters, and the equations used to calculate this are v^2 = u^2 - 2*a*s and d = 1/2(Vf + Vi) * t. The error in the calculation was using the incorrect formula, which resulted in an incorrect value for acceleration and, consequently, an incorrect stopping time and distance.
  • #1
Staerke
12
0

Homework Statement


It takes a minimum distance of 41.14 m to stop a car moving at 11.0 m/s by applying the brakes (without locking the wheels). Assume that the same frictional forces apply and find the minimum stopping distance when the car is moving at 25.0 m/s.


Homework Equations



I'm using:
d=1/2(Vf + Vi) * T

and:

v^2 = u^2 + 2as

The Attempt at a Solution



So here we go, I'm going to calculate the time to stop using the first formula:
41.14 = 1/2(0+11) * T
T = 7.48

Cool, makes sense, alright. Now I'm going to use that number to get the acceleration:

0^2 = 11^2 + (2 * a * 7.48)
a = -8.088
Makes plenty of logical sense, am I right? Sweet,
Now I'm taking the acceleration and figuring out the stopping time of the faster moving vehicle like so

0^2 = 25^2+(2*-8.088*t)
t=38.64
This is weird, it takes 38 seconds for the car to stop, oh well let's see the distance

d = 1/2(Vf + Vi) * t
d = 1/2(0+25) * 38.64
d = 483 meters

Yeah no way...plug it in as the answer and no dice.

What am I doing wrong? Am I completely off here? Help!
 
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  • #2
0^2 = 11^2 + (2 * a * 7.48)
a = -8.088

This step is wrong.
It should be
v^2 = u^2 -2*a*s, and s = 41.14 m
 
  • #3
You have mixed up the equations near the end
it's v^2 = u^2 + 2 a S , you seem to have done '2 a T'

As a rough estimate, the ke of the car is proprtional to v^2 so double the speed is 4x the energy = 4x the stopping distance
 
  • #4
rl.bhat said:
0^2 = 11^2 + (2 * a * 7.48)
a = -8.088

This step is wrong.
It should be
v^2 = u^2 -2*a*s, and s = 41.14 m

I'm an idiot! Thanks for the help!
 

FAQ: Stopping distance given Vinitial and distance

What is stopping distance?

Stopping distance is the distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it comes to a complete stop. It includes both the distance traveled during the driver's reaction time and the distance traveled while the vehicle is decelerating.

How is stopping distance calculated?

Stopping distance is calculated using the formula S = V2 / 2a, where S is stopping distance, V is initial velocity, and a is deceleration. This formula assumes a constant deceleration rate and does not take into account factors such as road conditions and reaction time.

What factors affect stopping distance?

Stopping distance can be affected by several factors, including the speed of the vehicle, the condition of the brakes, the condition of the tires, the road conditions (such as wet or icy), and the driver's reaction time.

How does speed impact stopping distance?

As the initial velocity of a vehicle increases, the stopping distance also increases. This is because a higher speed requires a longer distance for the vehicle to come to a complete stop, even with the same level of deceleration.

How can drivers reduce stopping distance?

Drivers can reduce stopping distance by maintaining their vehicle and its components (such as brakes and tires) in good condition, leaving enough space between their vehicle and the one in front of them, and paying attention to road conditions and potential hazards to decrease their reaction time.

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