Slide to Stop

Interactive simulation — adjust parameters and watch the visualization update in real time.

Live graphs

How it works

Give a block an initial speed on a rough horizontal table with no other horizontal forces. Kinetic friction provides a constant deceleration magnitude μ_k g, so the time and distance to stop follow from constant-acceleration kinematics. Doubling the mass doubles the friction force but also doubles the inertia, leaving the acceleration unchanged.

Key equations

a = −sign(v) μ_k g  ·  t_stop = |v₀| / (μ_k g)
d_stop = v₀² / (2 μ_k g)  (one direction)