Coefficient of friction question.

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the coefficient of friction on a wet racetrack, given the maximum safe speed for a car navigating a circular curve. The radius of curvature is specified, and the original poster has converted speed units for calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the equation relating gravity, coefficient of friction, speed, and radius but encounters repeated incorrect results. There is a focus on the radius value used in calculations, leading to questions about its accuracy.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively identifying discrepancies in the radius value used in the calculations. Some have acknowledged mistakes in their previous inputs, suggesting a collaborative effort to clarify the problem setup.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted inconsistency in the radius of curvature provided, with different values being referenced in the discussion. This may impact the calculations and understanding of the problem.

JohnnyB212
Messages
14
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



On a wet racetrack, the maximum safe speed, to avoid sliding on a level circular curve with a radius of curvature of 53 m, is 77 km/hr. What is the coefficient of friction between the car's tires and the track surface?

Homework Equations



(gravity)*(coefficient) = (v^2)/r

V= 21.39 m/s (after changing 77 km/hr into m/s)
Radius= 55 meters


The Attempt at a Solution



I kept getting the same answer .8488, but it keeps telling me I'm wrong? Help please!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Cancel that, Stupid me plugged in the wrong radius into the equation, my mistake! Sorry!
 
JohnnyB212 said:
...on a level circular curve with a radius of curvature of 53 m

JohnnyB212 said:
Radius= 55 meters

There is a discrepancy here.
 
cepheid said:
There is a discrepancy here.


Yep, I just caught this! My mistake. :frown:
 

Similar threads

Coefficient of Friction question for a cart going down a wooden ramp
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
How to find coefficient of friction *Without* mass?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
22K
Banked Curve-Determine smallest static coefficient of friction
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
How do i find the coefficient of static friction?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
What's the coefficient of kinetic friction?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
How to find the coefficient of kinetic friction
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Need to calculate the friction coefficient
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
Find friction coefficient given initial and final velocity
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Find the velocity given coefficient of friction and radius?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Finding friction coefficient, car unbanked curve.
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K