How Does Friction Impact Bobsled Acceleration?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the average acceleration of a bobsled during a practice run in the men's four-man event at the Winter Olympics. The total mass of the bobsled, pilot, and riders is 420 kg, with a net forward force of 1990 N after accounting for a friction force of 430 N. The calculated acceleration is 4.7 m/s², which differs from the book's answer of 4.4 m/s². The discrepancy highlights the importance of accurate force analysis and the utility of free body diagrams in solving physics problems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law (F=ma)
  • Basic knowledge of forces and friction
  • Ability to perform mass and force calculations
  • Experience with free body diagrams
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of force analysis in physics
  • Study the effects of friction on motion in various contexts
  • Learn how to create and interpret free body diagrams
  • Explore advanced topics in dynamics, such as acceleration calculations
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of bobsledding and the impact of friction on acceleration.

Balsam
Messages
226
Reaction score
8

Homework Statement


In the men's four-man bobsled event in the winter olympics, the maximum mas of a bobsled with pilot, two riders, and a brakeman is 630 kg. During a practice run, the rear rider and the brakeman exert average forces of 1220N and 1200N [forward] respectively to accelerate a bobsled of mass 225kg, a pilot of mass 98 kg, and a forward rider of mass 97 kg(who have already gotten into the sled). Then they jump in for the challenging ride down the 1300m course. During the pushing, the magnitude of the force of friction acting on the bobsled is 430N. Calculate the average acceleration of the bobsled, pilot, and the forward rider.

Homework Equations


Fnet=ma

The Attempt at a Solution


I added all the masses and got m=420kg. I added all the forces and got Fnet= 1990N[forward]. But, when I divided the force by the mass, I got a=4.7m/s^2[forward]. The answer in the book is 4.4 m/s^2[forward]. I don't know where I went wrong.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It's always a mistake not to draw a picture. In this case, make it a good free body diagram.

Formula roulette is, well, risky.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Mondayman

Similar threads

Net Force on 5.32 x 10^4 kg Airplane: Solve the Mystery
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
How Do I Determine Force of Static Friction on a Rolling Car
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Newton’s second law says F->net=ma-> So is ma-> force?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
How Is Acceleration Calculated in a Space Shuttle Launch?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Newton's 3rd Law Dynamics Problem
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Acceleration of an object given forces
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
How Does Friction Affect Acceleration on an Incline?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
How Does Friction Affect Train Acceleration?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Newton's Second Law - Net Force and Constant Acceleration
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Applications of Newton's laws (friction related)
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K