Question

When a box is kicked, it slides 3 m across the floor before coming to a stop. After a second kick the box comes to a stop in 6.0 m. Compare the friction forces and initial velocities for these two cases. Explain your reasoning.

Answer 1

The first case has a greater friction force, while the second case has a greater initial velocity.

Step-by-step explanation:

In order to compare the friction forces and initial velocities for the two cases, we first need to understand the concept of kinetic friction. Kinetic friction is the force that opposes the motion between two surfaces that are in contact. It depends on the coefficient of kinetic friction and the normal force.

For the first case, when the box slides 3 m before coming to a stop, we can assume that the force of kinetic friction acting on the box is equal to the applied force that kick-started its motion. However, since the box comes to a stop, the applied force must be equal to or greater than the magnitude of the kinetic friction force.

For the second case, when the box slides 6.0 m before coming to a stop, we can assume that the applied force is now greater than the kinetic friction force. Since the box traveled a greater distance before stopping, the work done by the applied force is also greater. This means that the initial velocity of the box in the second case is greater than in the first case.