How to Calculate Total Kinetic Energy of a Car with Rotational Motion?

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SUMMARY

The total kinetic energy of a car traveling at 60 km/h, including the rotational motion of its tires, can be calculated using the formula K = 1/2 mv² + 1/2 Iω². For a car with a mass of 1900 kg and four tires each weighing 40 kg, the rotational inertia I is calculated as I = 1/2 * m * r², where r is the radius of the tire. The acceleration of the car when pulled by a force of 2500 N can be determined using F = ma, and the percent error from ignoring the rotational inertia can be calculated by comparing the kinetic energies.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic energy formulas, specifically K = 1/2 mv² and rotational kinetic energy K_rot = 1/2 Iω².
  • Knowledge of rotational inertia calculations for solid cylinders.
  • Familiarity with basic physics concepts such as force, mass, and acceleration.
  • Ability to convert units, such as km/h to m/s.
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to calculate rotational inertia for different shapes and masses.
  • Study the relationship between linear velocity and angular velocity in rotational motion.
  • Explore the concept of percent error in experimental physics.
  • Investigate the effects of friction on kinetic energy calculations in real-world scenarios.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, automotive engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of vehicles in motion.

Newton=boss
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Homework Statement


The 1900 kg mass of a car includes four tires, each of mass (including wheels) 40 kg and diameter 0.80 m. Assume each tire and wheel combination acts as a solid cylinder.
(a) Determine the total kinetic energy of the car when traveling 60 km/h.


(b) Determine the fraction of the kinetic energy in the tires and wheels.
%

(c) If the car is initially at rest and is then pulled by a tow truck with a force of 2500 N, what is the acceleration of the car? Ignore frictional losses.


(d) What percent error would you make in part (c) if you ignored the rotational inertia of the tires and wheels?


Homework Equations


I would understand where to go in step two. For step 1 i was using K=1/2 mv^2
For step 3 i used F=ma. Apparantly I am totally wrong.

The Attempt at a Solution


Help. The formulas I use are giving me incorrect results. about 200,000 J is what I got
 
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You're forgetting the rotational kinetic energy stored in the rotation of the wheels. In addition to the \frac{mv^2}{2} there should be a \frac{I\omega^2}{2} term.
 
the rotational kinetic energy can be found from
I=1/2*40*4*.4^2?
and
60*1000/3600=v
omega=v/0.4?
 
check that. I was able to solve part a)..thankyou!
I do not even know how to start on the next 3 parts..if you could point me where to go I would be indebted.

wouldnt b simply be to divide the rotational Kinetic energy by the total kinetic energy? apparently not..
 

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