Question

An experimental rocket plane lands on skids on a dry lake bed. If it’s traveling at 80.0 m/s when it touches down, how far does it slide before coming to rest? Assume the coefficient of kinetic friction between the skids and the lake bed is 0.600.

Answer 1

The distance can be found from energy conservation assuming the entire kinetic energy converted into work against friction:

$$\frac12 mv^2=\mu mgx,\\\space\\ x=\frac{v^2}{\mu g}=1088\text{ m}.$$