A Motorcyclist crossing a stretch of land

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the physics of a motorcyclist coasting over a stretch of land, specifically addressing the forces at play when no braking force is applied. The calculations presented indicate that the distance traveled by the motorcyclist is 2.2 meters, derived from the equation 0.7*m*g*d = (m*v² /2). Participants emphasize that kinetic friction is irrelevant unless the brakes are applied hard enough to cause skidding, and that rolling resistance is the primary force acting against the motorcyclist's motion. The conclusion drawn is that without additional information on rolling resistance, the problem lacks sufficient data to determine the outcome definitively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as forces and motion.
  • Familiarity with equations of motion, specifically kinetic energy and friction.
  • Knowledge of rolling resistance and its impact on moving objects.
  • Ability to interpret problem statements in physics contexts.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of rolling resistance and its calculation methods.
  • Study the differences between kinetic friction and rolling resistance in physics.
  • Explore advanced physics problems involving motion without external forces.
  • Learn about the effects of braking on different types of vehicles, including motorcycles.
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of motion in relation to friction and resistance forces.

Mioojo
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Homework Statement
A motorcyclist at a constant speed of 20 km/h with the motorcycle motor off. He tries to cross a 15 m Stretch of land with kinetic friction coefficient of 0.7 . Can he?
Relevant Equations
None given
TA = Ec

0,7*m*g*d = (m*v² /2)


1,4*g*d = (400/12,96)


14*d = (400/12,96)


d = 2,2 m

No
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to the PF. :smile:

If the motorcyclist is free-wheeling (no braking force), why wouln't they just keep coasting at the same speed? Is there more to the problem statement?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Mioojo
berkeman said:
Welcome to the PF. :smile:

If the motorcyclist is free-wheeling (no braking force), why wouln't they just keep coasting at the same speed? Is there more to the problem statement?
Thx.

The problem statement has all the information that was given to me. And I know that the answer to the problem is "No"
 
Mioojo said:
The problem statement has all the information that was given to me. And I know that the answer to the problem is "No"
As @berkeman hints, the correct answer is "Yes".

The coefficient of kinetic friction only comes into play if the brakes are applied hard enough that the tires skid. Most motorcyclists avoid applying the brakes when trying to coast and definitely try to avoid locking up both front and back tires at the same time.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: berkeman
This is one of those tricky questions where you have to guess the expertise of the problem setter.
If the problem setter is properly qualified to be setting physics questions then, as others have noted, the kinetic friction information is irrelevant. All that need slow the motorcyclist is rolling resistance, which is typically a much lower value. But since you are not told a number for that, the correct answer is "not enough info".
However, if the problem setter is not so qualified, it may be a blunder, and the setter does not understand the difference between kinetic friction and rolling resistance.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: berkeman, jbriggs444 and jim mcnamara

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
710
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K