Block with Friction – Physics Fun

Set your parameters and press ▶ Start.

Controls

Mass 5 kg

Applied Force 40 N

Friction (μ_k) 0.25

Initial Speed 0.0 m/s

Surface Length 10 m

Target Stop (m) 7.0 m

Challenge: Set an initial speed and use friction (and optionally an applied force) to stop the block as close to the target as possible. Hint: x = v₀²/(2μg) when F_app = 0.

Forces & Work

Applied Force F_app 0 N

Friction Force f_k 0 N

Net Force F_net 0 N

Displacement x 0.00 m

W_applied = F·x 0 J

W_friction = −f·x 0 J

W_net 0 J

Work–Energy Theorem

Current Speed v 0.00 m/s

KE = ½mv² 0 J

ΔKE 0 J

W_net = ΔKE ✓

WORK COMPARISON

0 J

W_app

0 J

W_fric

0 J

W_net = ΔKE

🎯 Stop-at-Target Challenge

Try to make the block stop exactly at the red target marker. Adjust force and friction — then press Start!

No attempts yet.

The Work–Energy Theorem

The net work done on an object equals its change in kinetic energy: W_net = ΔKE = ½mv_f² − ½mv₀². Set an initial speed v₀ to give the block a running start!

W_applied = F_app · x (positive — energy added to block). W_friction = −f_k · x (negative — energy removed). f_k = μ_k · m · g (kinetic friction on a flat surface).

If F_app < f_k, net work is negative and the block decelerates. If net work is zero, speed is constant. Watch the W_net = ΔKE display — they always match!