Calculating the angle of a bus driving off a cliff

In summary, the conversation discusses the challenge of calculating the torque, angular momentum, and timing of a bus rotating off a cliff with only a normal force acting on it. The difficulty lies in the constantly changing direction and magnitude of the force as well as the horizontal acceleration caused by the normal force. The question setter may have underestimated the complexity of the problem.
  • #1
Alexander350
36
1

Homework Statement


2xk39fwi8bm01.png

Homework Equations


Moment of inertia
Torque
Angular momentum

The Attempt at a Solution


I think I can understand the physics of the situation. There will be a torque on the bus due to gravity while the back of it remains in contact with the cliff and it will start to rotate. I am assuming there is no friction so there is only a normal force where the bus hinges, which will always be perpendicular to the side of the bus. The problem is, how do I calculate this torque because the force is constantly changing direction and magnitude. Even when you do calculate its rotation, how can you calculate when it hits the ground because if it is tilted at a different angle, it will hit the ground at a different time.
 

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  • #2
Please make an attempt to solve the problem. Draw a diagram with the bus partway over the edge. Label the distances, forces and angles. Write the equations they imply. Go from there.
 
  • #3
Alexander350 said:
the force is constantly changing direction and magnitude.
Not only that, but the horizontal component of the normal force will provide a horizontal acceleration.

Obtaining the equations is tough, but certainly doable. Solving them is another matter. I seriously suspect that the question setter has blundered and completely underestimated the difficulty of the question.
 
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Likes gneill and jbriggs444

1. How do you calculate the angle of a bus driving off a cliff?

The angle of a bus driving off a cliff can be calculated using trigonometric functions. First, measure the height and horizontal distance from the edge of the cliff to the point where the bus drives off. Then, use the arctangent function (tan^-1) to find the angle, which is equal to the height divided by the distance.

2. What factors affect the angle of a bus driving off a cliff?

The angle of a bus driving off a cliff is affected by the height of the cliff, the horizontal distance from the edge of the cliff, and the speed of the bus. A higher cliff and a greater horizontal distance will result in a larger angle, while a higher speed will result in a smaller angle.

3. Can the angle of a bus driving off a cliff be negative?

No, the angle of a bus driving off a cliff cannot be negative. It is always measured as a positive value, as it represents the acute angle between the bus's initial direction and the ground.

4. Is it important to calculate the angle of a bus driving off a cliff?

Yes, it is important to calculate the angle of a bus driving off a cliff for safety and accident reconstruction purposes. It can also provide insight into the trajectory and impact of the bus as it falls off the cliff.

5. Are there any limitations to calculating the angle of a bus driving off a cliff?

Yes, there are some limitations to calculating the angle of a bus driving off a cliff. It assumes that the bus falls off the cliff in a straight line and does not take into account any external forces such as wind or friction. It also assumes a perfect 90-degree angle between the cliff and the ground, which may not be the case in a real-life scenario.

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