BASIC Centripetal Force PROBLEM HELP

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the centripetal force on a 2000-kg automobile rounding a curve of 175 m radius at a speed of 50 km/h, the formula Fc = mv^2/r is used. The correct conversion from km/h to m/s involves multiplying by 1000 and dividing by 3600, resulting in a speed of approximately 13.89 m/s. When applying the formula correctly, the centripetal force should be calculated as Fc = 2000 kg * (13.89 m/s)^2 / 175 m. The final result, after proper calculations, is about 2204.6 N, confirming the expected value of 2.2x10^3 N. Accurate unit conversions and squaring the speed are crucial for obtaining the correct answer.
8parks11
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Calculate the centripetal force on a 2000-kg automobile roudning a curve of 175 m radius at a speed of 50 km/h.

ok
so this

Fc=mv^2/r
i did 2000(50)(1000)(3600) / 175

but this was incorrect. the answer is 2.2x10^3 N

the 1000x3600 was to convert the km/h to m/s and i think that's correct so what did i do wrong here.
 
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The conversion is \frac{1}{1000}\frac{\text{km}}{\text{m}}, not 1000\frac{\text{km}}{\text{m}}
 
thx for pointing that out but.
i should be getting around 2200.

so i do

2000[(50)(.001)(3600)]^2 / 175
but i get 370285...
whats wrong here now?
 
wait still... isn't 50km = 50000m?
so i should multiply 50x1000?
 
iim keep getting 2057 if i use 0.01
 
Sorry, the hour to second conversion should be changed, not the km to meters.
 
ok so if i do multiply 1000 or do "2000(50)(1000)(3600) / 175"
i don't get the answer 2.2x10^3 N
can you please help
 
8parks11 said:
ok so if i do multiply 1000 or do "2000(50)(1000)(3600) / 175"
i don't get the answer 2.2x10^3 N
can you please help

The 3600 hr/sec should be 1/3600. And remember to square. This will give an answer of about 2204.6.:biggrin:
 
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