Calculating Car Speed for Jumping Railroad Tracks

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter IHateYou
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Car
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the speed required for a car to become airborne when jumping railroad tracks. The user seeks to determine the necessary speed based on their car's mass and the angle of the tracks. Key formulas involve projectile motion and the physics of jumps, specifically using the equations of motion to analyze the situation. The user expresses a lack of recent physics knowledge, highlighting the need for clear guidance on the relevant calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly projectile motion
  • Familiarity with the equations of motion, including velocity and acceleration
  • Knowledge of mass and gravitational force implications on jumping
  • Ability to apply trigonometry to calculate angles and distances
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of projectile motion and its equations
  • Learn how to calculate the launch speed required for a specific angle
  • Explore real-world examples of vehicle jumps and the physics involved
  • Investigate safety measures and legal implications of performing such experiments
USEFUL FOR

Individuals involved in automotive physics, law enforcement professionals, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of vehicle jumps and their legal ramifications.

IHateYou
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
I got a ticket for "jumping railroad tracks," so I have to prove that at the speed I was going, my car wouldn't have got off the ground going over those railroad tracks. I think I'm going to have to find out how fast a car with the mass of my car would have to be going to get air over track of whatever angle the tracks I went over are, but I haven't been in physics class for 6 months, so I'm pretty lost. Someone please explain how I can do this. What formulas and such do I need?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You could always repeat the experiment - when no one was watching.
 
I thought about that, but there is usually a cop parked there.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 46 ·
2
Replies
46
Views
13K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
8K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K