Rollback Distance Calculation for a Car on a Slope

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In summary, a car may stop at the top of a hill due to factors such as its weight, the steepness of the hill, and the engine's power. Gravity plays a role in slowing the car down as it works against the force of gravity while driving up the hill. Friction between the wheels and the road can also help to slow the car down. Mechanical issues, such as a faulty engine or transmission, can also cause the car to stop at the top of a hill. To prevent this, drivers should maintain a consistent speed and downshift to a lower gear before starting up the hill. Regular maintenance of the car's engine and transmission can also help to prevent mechanical issues.
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camel-man
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Homework Statement



A car traveling at 24.0m/s runs out of gas while traveling up a 20.0degree slope.
How far up the hill will it coast before starting to roll back down?

Homework Equations



Vf^2=Vi^2-2a(g*sin(20)(Xf-X0)

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't know if that is correct formula but I don't know how to solve for Xf
 
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  • #2
Yes you may solve using this formula
 
  • #3
when i enter in sin(20) my calculator is .34 is that on track? it doesn't seem right
 

1. What causes a car to stop at the top of a hill?

There are several factors that can cause a car to stop at the top of a hill. These include the weight of the car, the grade of the hill, and the engine power. If the car is too heavy or the hill is too steep, the engine may not have enough power to overcome the force of gravity and the car will come to a stop.

2. How does gravity affect a car stopping at the top of a hill?

Gravity is the force that pulls objects towards the center of the Earth. When a car is driving up a hill, it is working against the force of gravity. If the hill is steep enough, the force of gravity may be stronger than the engine's power, causing the car to slow down and eventually stop at the top of the hill.

3. What role does friction play in a car stopping at the top of a hill?

Friction is the force that resists the motion of two surfaces rubbing against each other. In the case of a car stopping at the top of a hill, friction between the wheels and the road can help to slow the car down and eventually bring it to a stop. This is especially true if the road surface is rough or if the brakes are applied.

4. Can a car stop at the top of a hill due to mechanical issues?

Yes, mechanical issues such as a faulty engine or transmission can cause a car to stop at the top of a hill. If the engine is not functioning properly, it may not have enough power to overcome the force of gravity and the car will come to a stop. Similarly, a malfunctioning transmission can prevent the car from being able to shift into a lower gear to climb the hill.

5. How can a driver prevent a car from stopping at the top of a hill?

To prevent a car from stopping at the top of a hill, it is important for the driver to maintain a consistent speed and avoid sudden acceleration or braking. It is also helpful to downshift to a lower gear before starting up the hill to provide the engine with more power. Regular maintenance of the car's engine and transmission can also help to prevent mechanical issues that may cause the car to stop at the top of a hill.

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