Calculating Centrifugal Force of a Car on a Curved Road

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the centrifugal force exerted by a car on a curved road using the formula f=mv²/r. The user calculated the gravitational force (G) as 16758 N and the centripetal force (f) as 12239.15844 N, leading to a normal force (N) of approximately 4518.84 N. The calculations were verified by another participant who used g = 9.81, confirming the correctness of the approach. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between gravitational force and centripetal force in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with centripetal force calculations
  • Basic knowledge of gravitational force (g = 9.81 m/s²)
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of centripetal force formulas
  • Explore the effects of varying radius on centrifugal force
  • Learn about the implications of gravitational variations in different environments
  • Investigate real-world applications of centrifugal force in automotive engineering
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, automotive engineers, and anyone interested in the dynamics of vehicles on curved paths will benefit from this discussion.

Ry122
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http://users.on.net/~rohanlal/cent.jpg

my attempt:
The car becomes lighter as it passes over the arc therefore its going to exert a force on the road that is less than its normal force.
f=mv^2/r
f=1710(16.6)^2/38.5 = 12239.15844
9.8 x 1710 = 16758
16758-12239.15844
this is incorrect, what am i doing wrong?
 
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Looks okay to me. I got 4536 N using g = 9.81.
 
As a matter of fact let me do the math for you here.(I've no idea if my expression is clear or not because English is not my mother tongue.)
The gravity exerted on the car is :
G=mg=16758N
And the Centripetal force needed is:
f=mv^2/R=12239.15844N
As the forces exerted on the car is the Centripetal force if we take the ground as the reference frame
so
N+f=G
N=4518.84156N
This is right the force the road exert on the car...if I'm asked to solve it.
I don't see any problems unless it's a problem of relativity or Quantunm Mechanics...
 
it says to use 9.8 for gravity and round off to the nearest tenth. What would it be then?
 
Simply 9.8? :-p
 
Ry122 said:
it says to use 9.8 for gravity and round off to the nearest tenth. What would it be then?

That's exactly what I did.
I don't see anything wrong.
 

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