Calculating Minimum Velocity for a Car to Round a Banked Curve Without Slipping

In summary, the conversation discusses a physics problem involving a car rounding a banked curve. The minimum velocity required to prevent the car from slipping down is determined by examining all the forces acting on the car, including the horizontal component of the friction force. A formula is provided as a tool, but it is important to also draw a free body diagram and consider all forces.
  • #1
KillaKem
23
0
I have a physics problem thatz bothering me

A car rounds a banked curve.The radius of curvature = R, bankin' angle a, and coefficient of friction k,.Show that the minimum velocity the car should travel in if it doesn't want to slip down


Homework Equations



[ R g * (tan a - k) / (1 + k*tan a) ] ^ 0.5

The Attempt at a Solution



Just give clues don't solve
 
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  • #2
You shouldn't just use a formula you looked up, right or wrong...you need to draw a free body diagram and examine all the forces acting on the car. The components of those forces in the horizontal direction provide the centripetal force to keep the car moving in a circle. Note that to determine the max speed, the horizontal component of the friction force points inward, toward the center of the circle. To determine the minimum speed, where the car starts to slip in toward the center of the circle, the friction force horizontal component points outward. Note that in the vertical direction, there is no acceleration.
 

1. What is a banked curve?

A banked curve is a curve in a road or track that is angled or tilted towards the inside of the curve. This design helps vehicles navigate the curve more easily by using the force of gravity to keep the vehicle from sliding off the road.

2. How does a car navigate a banked curve?

As a car enters a banked curve, the force of gravity pulls the car towards the center of the curve. This, combined with the car's inertia, helps it follow the curve without slipping off the road.

3. What factors affect a car's ability to navigate a banked curve?

The speed of the car, the angle of the banked curve, and the mass of the car are all factors that affect a car's ability to navigate a banked curve. A higher speed will create more centrifugal force, which can push the car towards the outside of the curve. A steeper banked angle provides more support for the car, while a heavier car may require more force to stay on the curve.

4. What happens if a car enters a banked curve too quickly?

If a car enters a banked curve at a speed that is too high, the centrifugal force may overpower the force of gravity and cause the car to slide off the road. This is why it is important for drivers to obey speed limits and adjust their speed accordingly when approaching a banked curve.

5. How do engineers determine the appropriate banked angle for a curve?

Engineers use a combination of factors, such as the speed limit, the type of vehicle that will be using the road or track, and the radius of the curve, to calculate the appropriate banked angle. They also take into account the coefficient of friction between the tires and the road surface to ensure the curve can be safely navigated at the recommended speed.

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