A sled slides along a horizontal surface on which the coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.25. Its velocity at point A is 8.4 m/s and at point B is 5.8 m/s . Use the impulse-momentum theorem to find how long the sled takes to travel from A to B.

1.06 secs

Explanation:

Initial speed of sled, u = 8.4 m/s

Final speed of sled, v = 5.8 m/s

Coefficient of kinetic friction, μ = 0.25

Using the impulse momentum theory, we know that the impulse applied to the sled is equal to change in momentum of the sled:

FΔt = mv - mu

where m = mass of the object

Δt = time interval

F = force applied

The force applied on the sled is the frictional force, which is given as:

F = -μmg

where g = acceleration due to gravity

Therefore:

-μmgΔt =  mv - mu

-μmgΔt = m(v - u)

-μgΔt = v - u

Making Δt subject of formula:

Δt = (v - u) / -μg

Δt = (5.8 - 8.4) / (-0.25 * 9.8)

Δt = -2.6/ -2.45

Δt = 1.06 secs

It took the sled 1.06 secs to travel from A to B.