Circular Motion with static friction of race car

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the analysis of circular motion in Formula 1 racing, specifically comparing the time taken to traverse two paths: the red path (AA’) and the blue path (BB’). Given the radius of the red path (RA = 32 m) and the blue path (RB = 10 m), along with a static friction coefficient (μs = 1.2), the maximum speeds calculated were 19.4 m/s for the red path and 10.8 m/s for the blue path. The conclusion drawn is that the red path is quicker due to the additional distance of the blue path, which includes straight sections, leading to a longer travel time despite its shorter circular arc.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of circular motion dynamics
  • Knowledge of static friction and its role in centripetal force
  • Familiarity with the equations of motion for circular paths
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
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hannam
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Homework Statement


In Formula 1 race, the cars approach curves
from the outside, cut through to the inside, and
then drift again to the outside (red path AA’ in the
figure). However, the blue path (BB’) in the figure
is shorter. Then why do not the drivers follow the
shortest path? Give answer to this question by
proving that tred (time to travel red path) is shorter
than tblue (time to travel blue path). Only given
values are RA = 32 m and RB = 10 m, and static
friction coefficient of the road is
μs =1.2. Assume
cars make motion with constant speed throughout
the path.
Important: The speeds of the cars do not change
due to static or kinetic frictions. However, only
static friction acts to the car as a centripetal force when the car makes a circular motion.
Therefore, first find maximum possible speed of a car while making a circular motion.


Homework Equations


m.g.μs=m.V2/r
T= 2∏r/V

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried m.g.μs=m.V2/r equation and found V max values for both cars (19,3 for the car on the red path and 10.8 for the blue path)
and then for T values i used equation 2∏r/V and found T for blue path is shorter. but in the question it wants me to prove that tred is shorter :/
i attached the picture of question.
where am i wrong? thanks for helpp!
 

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This is a very interesting question, hannam. It is a treat to work on it!
I get your 19.3 and 10.8 (actually I have 19.4, maybe because I use g=9.81). But I conclude the opposite - the red path is quicker. During my calculation I first made a huge mistake, which maybe is why your calc didn't work out. I took the distance to be πr in both cases, but if you look closely at the blue path, the distance is πr PLUS TWO STRAIGHT SECTIONS. Yes, πr not 2πr because its only a half circle.
 
i didnt see the straight lines and of course its half circle so it should be πr :) yess i found it thank you so much :smile:
 

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