Mechanics: Momentum and Collisions
Momentum and Collisions: Audio Guided Solution
Problem Set MC12, Question 5:
A 1.68-g Nerf dart is fired horizontally into a 56-g tissue box resting on a tabletop. The dart lodges into the box and the combo slides 1.98 m along the tabletop. The coefficient of friction between the tissue box and the tabletop is 0.352. What was the speed (in m/s) of the dart immediately before impact?
Editor's Note: The context and numbers of this problem is different than that of the Audio File. The method of solving is identical.
Audio Guided Solution
Habits of an Effective Problem Solver
An effective problem solver by habit approaches a physics problem in a manner that reflects a collection of disciplined habits. An effective problem-solver...
- ...reads the problem carefully and develops a mental picture of the physical situation. If needed, they sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help visualize it.
- ...identifies the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner, often times recording them on the diagram itself. Then equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity (e.g., vo = 0 m/s; a = 4.2 m/s/s; vf = 22.9 m/s; d = ???.).
- ...plots a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity; the strategy will typically center around the use of physics equations be heavily dependent upon an understanding of physics principles.
- ...identifies the appropriate formula(s) to use, often times writing them down. Where needed, they perform the needed conversion of quantities into the proper unit.
- ...performs substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.
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