Who Will Reach the Bottom First: The Heavier or Lighter Car?

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In summary, the conversation discusses a debate about whether a heavier or lighter car would reach the bottom of a slope first due to differences in friction and air resistance. The conversation also brings up the concept of terminal velocity and how it affects speed. Ultimately, it is agreed that the lighter car would reach the bottom first due to experiencing less resistance.
  • #1
Spaceboy
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If two cars were at the top of a uniform slope, and the cars are identical in every way other than their mass, which one would reach the bottom first? and why?

This is an argument that lasted all the way from inverness to dundee, and still hasn't been settled, even though there are about 100 people involved now. I need someone to settle it before it escalates further.

I personally think the lighter one would get to the bottom first as the friction would be greater for the heavier one from the tires being spread; although I'm not sure if the momentum of the heavier car, once it picked up some speed, would outweigh friction and air resistance.
 
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  • #2
The lighter one I would think

The frictional force is the only difference on the two cars - and it should be higher on the heavier car. Therefore the lighter car should move faster (less resistance). The AIR RESISTANCE is identical on the two cars - since it depends on surface area exposed to the air (that is why a parachute can stop a fall).

Consider the extreme case when the incline is a level surface - and the cars are attached to an ELASTIC pulling them towards a wall. Which car would smash into the wall first? The lighter one - cause it will encounter less resistance on its way to being pulled.
 
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  • #3
Aerodynamic drag versus weight is lower for the heavier car. If the speeds get high enough that aerodynamic drag is the main limiting factor, then the heavier car is faster. As an extreme example, imagine two identically shaped objects in "free fall" in the atmoshpere, the heavier object has a higher terminal velocity.
 
  • #4
Hmmm - I agree with the heavier object having higher terminal velocity.
However - 'terminal velocity' means that the acceleration has stopped - the drag force is equal to the weight of the object - it is no longer accelerating.

I don't think cars rolling down a hill will achieve terminal velocity. They will be at speeds well below terminal velocities. So - while there will be a drag force (which will depend on their exposed surface area to the air) - it should be the same on both of them.
The frictional force however - should be dependent on their mass - and the heavier one should feel more resistance from the road.
 

1. Who are the participants in the slope race?

The participants in the slope race are typically professional skiers or snowboarders from various countries who have qualified for the race through competitions or ranking systems.

2. What factors determine the winner of the slope race?

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3. How is the slope race course designed?

The slope race course is designed to be challenging and test the skills of the participants. It typically consists of a mix of steep slopes, turns, jumps, and obstacles such as gates or flags that the racers must navigate. The course is usually designed by professional course designers who take into account the terrain, weather conditions, and safety of the racers.

4. What are some common strategies used by racers in slope races?

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Technology plays a significant role in slope races, both in the equipment used by the racers and in the tracking and timing systems. Many racers use specialized and high-performance skis or snowboards, as well as protective gear such as helmets and goggles. The use of GPS and timing systems allows for accurate measurement of time and speed, which is crucial in determining the winner of the race.

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