Car driving on curve problem

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In summary: If the coefficent of static friction between the tires and the road is 0.930, the maximum speed that the car can have and still safely negotiate the turn is 17.4 m/s.
  • #1
squintyeyes
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A car moves on a circular, flat track at a speed of 15.0 m/s. If the car's mass is 1150 kg, and the radius of the turn is 55.0 m, what is the frictional force between the car's tires and the road?
_____________

If the coefficent of static friction between the tires and the road is 0.930, what is the maximum speed that the car can have and still safely negotiate the turn?
_____________


is this what you need to do for the first part?
What do i need to do about the second part?

m = mass
u = coefficent of friction
g = 9.8 m/s^2
a = centripetal acceleration= (v^2)/r
r = radius
v = speed
To find the answer, you set

ΣF = ΣF
umg = ma
ug = (v^2)/r
 
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  • #2
squintyeyes said:
A car moves on a circular, flat track at a speed of 15.0 m/s. If the car's mass is 1150 kg, and the radius of the turn is 55.0 m, what is the frictional force between the car's tires and the road?
_____________

If the coefficent of static friction between the tires and the road is 0.930, what is the maximum speed that the car can have and still safely negotiate the turn?
_____________


is this what you need to do for the first part?
What do i need to do about the second part?

m = mass
u = coefficent of friction
g = 9.8 m/s^2
a = centripetal acceleration= (v^2)/r
r = radius
v = speed
To find the answer, you set

ΣF = ΣF
umg = ma
ug = (v^2)/r

What force is supplying the centripetal force keeping the car in a circular path? And now what is the equation for calculating centripetal force?
 
  • #3
You have the equation for centripetal acceleration. So multiply that by m...
F=ma... you have what a is for a mass moving in a circle.
 
  • #4
so would part 1 equal 4,704.545 N? what about part 2
 
  • #5
squintyeyes said:
so would part 1 equal 4,704.545 N? what about part 2

Ok that number means when you are going 15 m/s in a car of the mass given in a radius of 55m that the friction is supplying almost 5000 N of force.

So now if we know how "sticky" the surface between the tire and road is we can figure out the maximum force that friction can exert so that the car can continue in its circular path. The sticky number is mu... 0.9.. whatever.

You know mu, you can figure out what the normal force is... if you multiply these two numbers together what do you get?
 
  • #6
the maximum friction force? maybe?
 
  • #7
squintyeyes said:
the maximum friction force? maybe?

Yeps...

set that equal to mv^2/r and solve for the v...
 
  • #8
thanks
 

1. What is the physics behind a car driving on a curve?

The physics behind a car driving on a curve is based on the principles of centripetal force and inertia. When a car turns on a curve, it is constantly changing direction, which requires a force to keep it from moving in a straight line. This force is known as centripetal force and it is directed towards the center of the curve. Inertia, which is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its motion, also plays a role in keeping the car moving in the same direction as the curve.

2. How does the speed of a car affect its ability to make a turn on a curve?

The speed of a car directly affects its ability to make a turn on a curve. The faster a car is moving, the more centripetal force is needed to keep it on the curve. If the car is moving too fast, it may not have enough centripetal force and may slide off the curve. This is why it is important to slow down when approaching a curve.

3. What is the role of friction in a car driving on a curve?

Friction plays a crucial role in a car driving on a curve. It is the force that helps the car grip the road and make the turn. Without enough friction, the car may slide or skid off the curve. The type of tires on the car and the condition of the road also affect the amount of friction available to the car.

4. How do different types of cars handle curves differently?

Different types of cars handle curves differently due to various factors such as weight, center of gravity, and suspension. Heavier cars with a lower center of gravity tend to have more stability on curves compared to lighter cars with a higher center of gravity. Cars with a stiffer suspension also tend to handle curves better as they provide more stability and control.

5. What are some tips for driving safely on curves?

Some tips for driving safely on curves include slowing down before entering the curve, maintaining a steady speed throughout the curve, and avoiding sudden or sharp turns. It is also important to keep both hands on the steering wheel and to stay in the correct lane. Additionally, regularly checking tire pressure and maintaining good tire tread can help improve a car's grip on curves.

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