BASIC Centripetal Force PROBLEM HELP

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the centripetal force acting on a 2000-kg automobile navigating a curve with a radius of 175 m while traveling at a speed of 50 km/h. Participants are attempting to apply the formula for centripetal force, Fc = mv²/r, but are encountering issues with their calculations and unit conversions.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to convert the speed from km/h to m/s and apply the centripetal force formula. There are questions regarding the correctness of their unit conversions and the application of the formula, particularly the squaring of the velocity and the conversion factors used.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with several participants providing feedback on each other's calculations and conversions. Some guidance has been offered regarding the correct conversion factors, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the amount of direct assistance they can receive. There is confusion regarding the conversion from km/h to m/s and the proper application of the centripetal force formula.

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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