A 50,000 kg locomotive is traveling at 10 m/s when it\'s engine and breaks both

Question

A 50,000 kg locomotive is traveling at 10 m/s when it's engine and breaks both fail. How far will the locomotive roll before it comes to a stop? Assume the track is level.

Now I know this question has been posted before, and I have scrolled through multiple different instances of the question. I understand all of the math with the exception of the coefficient of rolling friction. They are all using steel on steel. Why? Shouldn't it be rubber on concrete? Unless they are wanting the friction between broken brake pads and rotor, or Axel and wheel, but wouldn't that be kinetic friction at that point?

Explanation / Answer

Since you know the mathematical aspects of the problem, I won't solve the problem.

The reason they use the coefficient of rolling friction between steel and steel is that rolling friction applies to the surface of the railroad and the wheel of the locomotive. Locomotives run on rail tracks made of steel, and their wheels are made of steel.

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