From Newton’s law of motion, the relation for velocity, acceleration and displacement is given by v^2 = vo^2 + 2as. Where v and vo are final and initial velocity respectively, and a, s are the acceleration and displacement respectively. From Newton’s second law, F = ma. Where m is the mass.
The magnitude of the frictional fore can be calculated only before estimating the ston’s acceleration. The initial speed of stone is mentioned in the problem as 3 m/s. Also, after 40m, the stone will stop. This means that its final speed is 0 m/s and the displacement is 40m.The acceleration of rock is calculated as:
(0 m/s)^2 = (3 m/s)^2 + 2a (40m).
9 m^2/s^2 = -2a(40m)
a= -9m^2/s^2/80m = 0.1 m/s^2.
This means that deceleration will occur and this will stop the stone. Substituting to Newton’s second law of motion,
-F = 20kg * -0.1 m/s^2. Further solve,
F = 20kg * 0.1 m/s^2 = 2N. Hence, the magnitude frictional force is 2N.