Question

A 66-kg base runner begins his slide into second base when he is moving at a speed of 4.5 m/s. The coefficient of friction between his clothes and Earth is 0.70. He slides so that his speed is zero just as he reaches the base. (a) How much mechanical energy is lost due to friction acting on the runner?

Answer 1

The loss in mechanical energy is 668.25 J

Step-by-step explanation:

As per the question:

Mass of the base runner, m = 66 kg

Velocity of the runner, v = 4.5 m/s

Coefficient of friction,
`\mu = 0.70`

Now,

The mechanical energy lost due to friction is provided by the work done in the form of the Kinetic energy of the runner:

Work done, W = Kinetic enrgy of the runner

W =
`(1)/(2)mv^(2)`

W =
`(1)/(2)\tiems 66* (4.5)^(2) = 668.25 J`

Work done must be - 668.25 J as the runner slows down.