Banked Curves angle theta on highway

AI Thread Summary
Two highway curves are discussed: one unbanked and one banked at angle theta, both with the same radius. The unbanked curve allows a maximum speed Vo based on a static friction coefficient of 0.81, while the banked curve is frictionless. To find the angle theta, the relationship between radius and velocity must be established using the equation tan(theta) = v^2/(rg). Participants express confusion over the lack of specific values and the frictionless nature of the banked curve, but emphasize that the unbanked curve provides necessary information to derive the angle. Understanding the forces acting on the car and developing equations for radius in terms of velocity is crucial for solving the problem.
pstfleur
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1. Two curves on a highway have the same radii. However, one is unbanked and the other is banked at an angle theta. A car can safely travel along the unbanked curve at a maximum speed Vo under conditions when the coefficient of static friction between the ties and the road is ms=0.81. The banked curve is frictionless, and the car can negotiate it at the same maximum speed Vo. Find the angle theta of the banked curve.



2. Tan theta= v^2/rg, v=2pie(r)/T



3. Ok I am lost again.. The problem looks like french to me. I know that I need to find the velocity first in order to get my angle, but it doesn't give me any values other than the coefficient of static friction..PLease help me go in the right direction
 
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pstfleur said:
1. Two curves on a highway have the same radii. However, one is unbanked and the other is banked at an angle theta. A car can safely travel along the unbanked curve at a maximum speed Vo under conditions when the coefficient of static friction between the ties and the road is ms=0.81. The banked curve is frictionless, and the car can negotiate it at the same maximum speed Vo. Find the angle theta of the banked curve.

2. Tan theta= v^2/rg, v=2pie(r)/T

3. Ok I am lost again.. The problem looks like french to me. I know that I need to find the velocity first in order to get my angle, but it doesn't give me any values other than the coefficient of static friction..PLease help me go in the right direction

The first part tells you what the Radius is.

Then you use the radius to determine the angle of the second curve.
 
LowlyPion said:
The first part tells you what the Radius is.

Then you use the radius to determine the angle of the second curve.


Where? a radius of what? 1?
 
pstfleur said:
Where? a radius of what? 1?

No. Draw a force diagram. There are two forces acting on the car on level ground. There is the Frictional force and there is the Centripetal force. You know what the coefficient of friction is, so what is radius in terms of Vo?
 
LowlyPion said:
No. Draw a force diagram. There are two forces acting on the car on level ground. There is the Frictional force and there is the Centripetal force. You know what the coefficient of friction is, so what is radius in terms of Vo?


But its says the banked curve is frictionless?? i still don't see the correlation for Vo
 
bump.. I still need help on this problem:confused:
 
pstfleur said:
But its says the banked curve is frictionless?? i still don't see the correlation for Vo

Did you develop an equation for the Radius in terms of Vo on the flat surface?

Because if you had you would then be able to use that in the expression that accounts for the frictionless incline.

You've already related that equation even.
 
LowlyPion said:
Did you develop an equation for the Radius in terms of Vo on the flat surface?

Because if you had you would then be able to use that in the expression that accounts for the frictionless incline.

You've already related that equation even.


:confused: I think I'll just give up on this problem. I am getting lost
 
pstfleur said:
:confused: I think I'll just give up on this problem. I am getting lost

OK. But the answer isn't that far away.

The unbanked curve tells you the relationship between the radius and the velocity in question.

The banked curve tells you the angle when you substitute for the Velocity.
 
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