A factory robot drops a 10 kg computer onto a conveyor belt running at 3.1 m/s. The materials are such that μs = 0.50 and μk = 0.30 between the belt and the computer. How far is the computer dragged before it is riding smoothly on the belt?
A) 1.6 m
B) 0.98 m
C) 2.3 m
D) 3.0 m

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The force of kinetic friction is:$$f_k=\mu_k n=\mu_k mg$$The acceleration of the computer is:$$a=\frac{f_k}{m}=\mu_k g$$The distance the computer is dragged is:$$d=\frac{v^2}{2a}=\frac{(3.1	ext{ m/s})^2}{2(0.30)(9.8	ext{ m/s}^2)}=1.6	ext{ m}$$

A Factory Robot Drops a 10 Kg Computer onto a Conveyor