Average Net Force on a Car 0-60mph: Weight Comparison

[shiney612]

Homework Statement

What is the average net force on a car during a zero to 60mph (0 to 30m/s) acceleration? Compare this force to the weight of the car.

Homework Equations

I just don't know what equations to do and need help to figure out what to do.

 

[kuruman]

Hi shiney612, welcome to PF.

Can you find the acceleration of the car? What equation(s) would you use for that?

Once you have the acceleration, can you find the force? What equation does that involve?

 

[tomcue]

The average net force on a car during a zero to 60mph acceleration can be calculated using Newton's second law of motion, which states that force equals mass times acceleration (F=ma). In this case, the acceleration is 30m/s (60mph) and the mass of the car can be determined by using its weight and the acceleration due to gravity (g=9.8m/s^2). So, the equation becomes F=m(30)/9.8.

To compare this force to the weight of the car, we need to first calculate the weight of the car using the formula W=mg, where m is the mass of the car and g is the acceleration due to gravity. Then, we can divide the net force by the weight to determine the ratio between the two. This ratio will give us an idea of how much the car is being pushed or pulled during the acceleration.

It is important to note that this calculation only takes into account the force required to accelerate the car from 0 to 60mph. Other factors such as air resistance, friction, and rolling resistance may also contribute to the overall net force on the car during this acceleration.

In conclusion, the average net force on a car during a zero to 60mph acceleration can be calculated using Newton's second law of motion and compared to the weight of the car. However, this calculation may not represent the total net force acting on the car during the acceleration.