Final answer:
When a baseball player slides into first base, kinetic friction acts on the player, causing their velocity to change. Friction slows down the player, eventually bringing them to a stop. The work done by friction removes the player's kinetic energy, resulting in a decrease in velocity.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a baseball player slides into first base, kinetic friction acts on the player. The player's velocity will change as a result of this friction. Friction is a force that opposes motion, so it will cause the player to slow down and eventually come to a stop. The work done by friction removes the player's kinetic energy, reducing their velocity to zero.
For example, let's say the initial velocity of the player is 4 m/s and the frictional force acting on them is 40 N. Using the equation:
Work done by friction (W) = Force of friction (f) x Displacement (d)
We can calculate the displacement (d) as:
d = W/f = (Initial Kinetic Energy)/(Force of friction) = (0.5 x mass x (initial velocity)^2)/(f)
By plugging in the values, we can determine the distance the player slides based on the given force of friction.