Speed of a truck wthout brakes down a hill

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the speed of a truck rolling down a hill with failed brakes. The hill has a vertical drop of 85 meters and a horizontal distance of 1510 meters, resembling a right angle. The truck weighs 100,000 pounds and has a starting speed of 50 km/h. The approach suggested is to equate the potential energy at the top of the hill with the kinetic energy at the bottom to calculate the velocity. The requester also asks for all equations to be shown so they can substitute any values needed.
  • #1
jamilm9
1
0
1. Hi,
I'm trying to find the speed that a truck rolling down a hill which brakes have failed. The hill has a drop of 85 meters vertically and a horizontal of 1510 meters. The hill is like a right angle where the bottom right is the 90 degrees. The bottom left is 3.2 degrees and the top right is 86.8 degrees according to my calculations. Assuming the truck weighs 100 000 pounds or 45359 kg and has a starting speed of 50 km/h at the top of the hill what is the speed at the bottom of the hill. Can you please show all your equations so I can sub in any values that I need to.
Thank You
 
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  • #2
Hi Jamilm9! welcome to PF!

you need to show your approach here, if you are stuck we will help you.

however, try to equate the potential energy at top with kinetic energy at the bottom and find velocity.
 

What is the speed of a truck without brakes going down a hill?

The speed of a truck without brakes going down a hill depends on several factors such as the weight of the truck, the incline of the hill, and any external forces such as wind resistance. It is difficult to determine an exact speed without knowing these variables.

Can a truck without brakes go faster downhill?

Yes, a truck without brakes can go faster downhill due to the force of gravity pulling it down the incline. As the truck gains momentum, it will continue to accelerate until reaching a maximum speed determined by the factors mentioned above.

What happens if a truck without brakes goes down a hill?

If a truck without brakes goes down a hill, it will continue to gain speed until it reaches a maximum velocity or until it encounters an obstacle that slows it down. The driver will have minimal control over the truck's movements, making it a dangerous situation.

How can the speed of a truck without brakes going down a hill be controlled?

The speed of a truck without brakes going down a hill can be controlled by shifting to a lower gear, using the emergency brake, or gradually steering the truck onto a flat surface. However, these methods may not work in all situations and should only be attempted by a trained and experienced driver.

What are the potential dangers of a truck without brakes going down a hill?

The potential dangers of a truck without brakes going down a hill include loss of control, collisions with other vehicles or objects, and damage to the truck itself. This situation can also be hazardous to other drivers on the road and may result in serious accidents. It is crucial to take preventative measures and address any brake issues before attempting to drive down a hill.

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