Question on banked curve, Application of Newtons Laws

In summary, the problem involves finding the minimum and maximum speed a 1200 kg car can travel on a banked turn with a radius of 30m and an angle of 40 degrees, given a coefficient of friction of 0.75. The solution involves setting up a force diagram and solving for the velocity using the equations F=ma, Mv^2/R, and Fw = mg. The normal force, friction force, and gravity force all play a role in this problem, and the equilibrium condition is given by mu*N*sinTheta+N*cosTheta = mg. The horizontal components of the normal and friction force can be used to eliminate the normal force, and the maximum velocity can be found by taking the friction force in
  • #1
Elysian
33
0

Homework Statement



A turn in the road with a radius of 30m is banked at an angle of 40 degrees. If [itex]\mu[/itex]=.75, what is the minimum and max speed a 1200 kg car can travel without sliding off the turn.

Homework Equations



F=ma, Mv^2/R, Fw = mg

The Attempt at a Solution



Alright, so using the information given i made a force diagram. Basically what i did is make the car, then a vector going to the right as Fc, another vector which makes the hypotenuse coming from the car to North-East, as Fn since it is perpendicular to the curved road, and Since Fw is down, upwards it would fit in the triangle to make a triangle with the legs of Fw and Fc, and a hypotenuse of Fn.

Since the velocity isn't given I solved for the velocity by replacing Fc with Mv^2/r.

So

(tan(40)*m*v^2)/r = mg

Plugging in all the values I got a Velocity of 18.7 m/s, but this is without friction so its better not to use this, and to find the Fn and Ff.

So mg/sin(40)=Fn. Fn works out to be 18295N, so using [itex]\mu[/itex]*Fn = Ff, the Ff is 13722N.

I'm honestly very confused on where to go from here, not even sure if what I've done so far is correct.. If anyone could help it'd be greatly appreciated..
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Thats not entirely correct what you did. First of all There are three forces acting on the car plus the centripetal force. tht is 4. The first is the normal force which is perpendicular to the plane on which the car is travelling. The friction force is in the plane of the road acting either "up" or "down" depending on the velocity. The third is the gravity force which acts downwards and is perpendicular to the centripetal force.
The car doesn't move "up or down" but stays on the bank. Hence the gravity force keeps an equilibrium with the vertical components of the friction force and the normal force. for e.g. When we are searching for the minimum velocity i.e. the car shouldn't slide down the bank so the friction force is "up". Hence this equilibrium condition is: mu*N*sinTheta+N*cosTheta = mg.

Similarly you can write up the horizontal components of the normal and friction force and this should be equal with the centripetal force and from these two equation you can eliminate the N normal force.
For the maximum velocity take the friction force in the other direction.
 

1. What is a banked curve and how does it relate to Newton's Laws?

A banked curve is a curved section of a road or track that is built at an angle to the ground. This angle is designed to work with the centrifugal force of a moving object to keep it safely on the curve. This principle is explained by Newton's First Law of Motion, which states that an object in motion will continue in a straight line unless acted upon by an external force. In this case, the banked curve provides the necessary force to keep the object on its curved path.

2. How does the angle of a banked curve affect the speed at which a vehicle can safely travel?

The angle of a banked curve is carefully calculated to provide the necessary centripetal force to keep a vehicle on its path. As the angle of the curve increases, the centripetal force also increases, allowing the vehicle to safely travel at higher speeds without tipping or sliding off the curve. However, if the angle is too steep, it can also cause the vehicle to lose control.

3. What is the role of friction in a banked curve?

Friction plays a crucial role in a banked curve by providing the necessary force to keep the vehicle from sliding off the curve. When a vehicle is traveling along a banked curve, there are two main forces acting on it: the centripetal force from the curve and the force of friction between the tires and the road. These two forces work together to keep the vehicle safely on its path.

4. Can Newton's Second Law of Motion be applied to a banked curve?

Yes, Newton's Second Law of Motion, which states that the force applied to an object is equal to its mass multiplied by its acceleration, can be applied to a banked curve. In the case of a banked curve, the force acting on the vehicle is the centripetal force provided by the banked angle, and the acceleration is the change in direction as the vehicle moves along the curve.

5. What are some real-world applications of banked curves and Newton's Laws?

Banked curves and Newton's Laws are used in various real-world applications, such as racetracks, roller coasters, and highways. In these cases, the banked curves are designed to safely guide vehicles or objects around a curved path at high speeds. This is made possible by understanding and applying the principles of Newton's Laws, particularly the First and Second Laws of Motion.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
5K
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
951
Back
Top