BASIC Centripetal Force PROBLEM HELP

In summary, the conversation is about calculating the centripetal force on a 2000-kg automobile while rounding a curve of 175 m radius at a speed of 50 km/h. The formula used is Fc=mv^2/r, and the conversion from km/h to m/s is 1/3600. The correct answer is 2.2x10^3 N.
  • #1
8parks11
63
0
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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The conversion is [tex]\frac{1}{1000}\frac{\text{km}}{\text{m}}[/tex], not [tex]1000\frac{\text{km}}{\text{m}}[/tex]
 
  • #3
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?
 
  • #4
wait still... isn't 50km = 50000m?
so i should multiply 50x1000?
 
  • #5
iim keep getting 2057 if i use 0.01
 
  • #6
Sorry, the hour to second conversion should be changed, not the km to meters.
 
  • #7
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
 
  • #8
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:
 

1. What is centripetal force?

Centripetal force is the force that keeps an object moving in a circular path. It acts towards the center of the circle and is necessary to maintain the object's velocity and prevent it from flying off in a straight line.

2. How is centripetal force calculated?

The formula for centripetal force is F = mv^2/r, where F is the force in Newtons, m is the mass of the object in kilograms, v is the velocity in meters per second, and r is the radius of the circular path in meters.

3. What are some examples of centripetal force in everyday life?

Some examples of centripetal force include the Earth's rotation around the sun, a car turning a corner, and a rollercoaster moving around a loop. Essentially, any object moving in a circular path is experiencing centripetal force.

4. How does centripetal force relate to Newton's laws of motion?

Centripetal force is an example of Newton's First Law of Motion, also known as the law of inertia. This law states that an object will continue to move in a straight line at a constant speed unless acted upon by an external force. In the case of circular motion, the centripetal force is the external force that acts to change the direction of the object's motion.

5. What factors affect centripetal force?

The magnitude of centripetal force depends on the mass of the object, its velocity, and the radius of the circular path it is following. A larger mass or higher velocity will require a larger centripetal force to keep the object in its circular path, while a larger radius will require a smaller force.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
32
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
Back
Top