Final answer:
To solve this problem using conservation of energy, calculate the initial kinetic energy of the car and the work done by the friction force to bring the car to a stop. Set the work done equal to the negative change in kinetic energy and solve for the distance.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve this problem using conservation of energy, we can start by calculating the initial kinetic energy of the car. The kinetic energy is given by the formula KE = (1/2) * mass * velocity^2. Plugging in the values, we have KE = (1/2) * 1500 kg * (20 m/s)^2 = 300,000 J.
Next, we need to calculate the work done by the friction force to bring the car to a stop. The work done is given by the formula work = force * distance. Plugging in the values, we have work = (1.2 * 10^4 N) * distance. Since the car comes to a stop, the work done by the friction force is equal to the negative change in kinetic energy: -300,000 J.
Simplifying the equation, we have (1.2 * 10^4 N) * distance = -300,000 J. Solving for distance, we find that distance = -300,000 J / (1.2 * 10^4 N) = -25 meters.
Since distance cannot be negative, we take the absolute value of the distance, giving us a skid distance of 25 meters.