How Does the Force to Start and Maintain Car Movement on Asphalt Differ?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the forces required to start and maintain the movement of a car weighing 1500 N on dry asphalt, utilizing static and kinetic friction coefficients of 1.2 and 0.8, respectively. The force needed to initiate movement is determined to be 1800 N, while the force required to maintain movement is calculated at 1440 N. This demonstrates that a greater force is necessary to overcome static friction compared to kinetic friction, highlighting the difference in frictional forces during the transition from rest to motion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of static and kinetic friction coefficients
  • Basic knowledge of Newton's laws of motion
  • Ability to perform calculations involving normal force and frictional force
  • Familiarity with the concept of weight and mass in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of static and kinetic friction in detail
  • Explore the implications of friction in vehicle dynamics
  • Investigate real-world applications of friction coefficients in automotive engineering
  • Learn about the effects of different surface materials on frictional forces
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, automotive engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of vehicle movement and frictional forces on various surfaces.

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Homework Statement



A car of weight 1500 N has its brakes locked. Calculate the force needed to begin to drag he car on dry asphalt. How will the force needd to slide it along the asphalt compare with the force needed to start sliding it? Why? (Static coefficient=1.2, Kinetic coefficient=0.8)

Known: weight (1500 N, the mass in N on earth) , coefficients of static and kinetic friction

Homework Equations



Ff = (coefficient of kinetic)(normal force)
Fn = mg

The Attempt at a Solution



(force needed to start it moving)
Force of friction = 1.2 * 1500 N
= 1800N

(force needed to keep it moving)
= Force of friction * coefficient Kinetic friction
= 1800N * 0.8
= 1440N

Now that I have these numbers, I do not know what to write to answer the questions that are asked.
 
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I don't understand why you did 1800*0.8 for the second part. Should it not be 1500*0.8?

Ffr=uFN
 
These numbers tell you that you need a greater force to get the car sliding than you need to keep it sliding.
 

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