Calculate Contact Force: Car and Truck Collision on Icy Road

In summary, the car and truck with masses of 8.50E+2 kg and 3.55E+3 kg, respectively, collide on icy road. After 60.0 ms, the car exerts a force of 1.56671E+5 N on the truck. Using Newton's 3rd law and the equation for contact force, the size of the force on the car due to the truck at that time is calculated to be 12640 N.
  • #1
ttk3
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Homework Statement



A car of mass 8.50E+2 kg and a truck of mass 3.55E+3 kg run into one another due to ice on the road. 60.0 ms after the collision, the car is pushing on the truck with a force whose magnitude is 1.56671E+5 N. Calculate the size of the force on the car due to the truck at that time.


Homework Equations



accel. of car = accel. of truck
a = f / sum of masses
Contact force = mass of truck * (f/sum of masses)


The Attempt at a Solution



contact force = 3550 * (15667 / [850 + 3550])

= 12640 N
 
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  • #2
Consider Newton's 3rd law.
 
  • #3
That was too easy. Haha, I feel stupid.
 

1. What is a contact force problem?

A contact force problem is a type of physics problem that involves determining the forces acting on an object due to direct contact with other objects or surfaces. It can also involve calculating the resulting motion of the object under these forces.

2. How is a contact force problem different from other types of physics problems?

A contact force problem is different from other types of physics problems because it specifically focuses on the forces that arise from direct contact between objects or surfaces. Other types of physics problems may involve forces acting at a distance, such as gravitational or electrical forces.

3. What are some common examples of contact force problems?

Some common examples of contact force problems include calculating the friction force between two surfaces, determining the tension in a rope pulling on an object, or finding the normal force exerted by a surface on an object.

4. How do you solve a contact force problem?

To solve a contact force problem, you must first identify all of the objects or surfaces that are in contact with the object in question. Then, you must draw a free-body diagram, which shows all of the forces acting on the object, including contact forces. Finally, you can use Newton's laws of motion and other equations to calculate the forces and resulting motion of the object.

5. What are some tips for solving contact force problems?

Some tips for solving contact force problems include identifying all of the forces acting on the object, breaking down complex forces into their components, and using equations such as F=ma and ΣF=0 to solve for unknown quantities. It is also important to draw a clear and accurate free-body diagram to help visualize the problem.

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