Finding Torque and Force for a Car w/ Two People

In summary, the conversation discusses the determination of forces on the front and back wheels of a car based on the weight of the passengers and the distance between the wheels. The solution involves finding the sum of torques about one set of wheels and setting it equal to the weight of the car and passengers, leading to the solution of two equations in two unknowns.
  • #1
aflowernamedu
3
0
Torques and Forces?

I have found the first force,but I am not sure how to find the second :/.

Two people sit in a car that weighs 8000N. The person in front weighs 700N, while the one in the back weighs 900N. Call L the distance between the front and back wheels. The person on the front is sitting L/3 back from the front wheels. The person on the back is sitting L/2 back from the PERSON ON THE FRONT. The car's center of gravity is a distance .400L behind the front wheels. How much force does each front wheel and each back wheel support if the people are seated alone the centerline of the car?

Ok so I did:
900 X 5/6L +700/3= F2
F2 =983
8000X .4L
3,200 L

3,200+983=4183
4183/2 = 2091/1000 = 2.09 KN

The book states the answers are 2.09 KN and 2.71 KN. How do I find 2.71??

 
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  • #2


For the car to be in static equilibrium, the sum of the reactions at the wheels must equal the weight of the car and the passengers. Simultaneously, the moment of the reactions and the weights about one set of wheels or the other must equal zero. If you write these equilibrium equations, they can be readily solved for the unknown reactions at the wheels.
 
  • #3


What you did was to sum the torques about the front wheel to get the force on the back wheels. For the weight on the front wheels do you can sum the torques about the back wheel or you can just use the fact that the sum of the vertical forces is zero and at this point the only unknown vertical force is the force on the front tires, one equation in one unknown.
 

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1. What is torque and force in relation to a car with two people?

Torque is a measure of the twisting force applied to an object, while force is a measure of the push or pull on an object. In the context of a car with two people, torque refers to the rotational force applied to the wheels by the engine, while force refers to the combined weight of the car and its passengers.

2. How do you calculate torque for a car with two people?

To calculate torque, you need to know the force applied and the distance from the pivot point or axis of rotation. In the case of a car with two people, the torque can be calculated by multiplying the force of the engine (measured in Newtons) by the radius of the wheels (measured in meters).

3. How does the weight of the car and its passengers affect torque and force?

The weight of the car and its passengers can affect the amount of torque and force needed to move the car. A heavier car with more passengers will require more torque to overcome the force of gravity and friction, while a lighter car with fewer passengers will require less torque.

4. Can you have negative torque or force in a car with two people?

Yes, it is possible to have negative torque or force in a car with two people. This can occur if the car is moving in the opposite direction of the applied force, or if there is a counteracting force that is greater than the applied force.

5. How can torque and force impact the performance of a car with two people?

Torque and force are important factors in determining the acceleration, speed, and overall performance of a car with two people. More torque means the car can accelerate faster, while more force means the car can overcome resistance and maintain a higher speed. However, too much torque or force can also put strain on the car's engine and parts, potentially leading to mechanical issues.

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