Stopping 15000 kg Truck with Friction and Gravity

In summary, a truck's brakes can fail if they get too hot, but in some mountainous areas, ramps of loose gravel are constructed to stop runaway trucks. These ramps have a slight upward slope and a large coefficient of friction in the gravel, which brings the truck safely to a halt. To find the length of a ramp that can stop a 15,000 kg truck entering at 35m/s, work and energy equations can be used. By finding the distance, d, using trigonometry and solving for the work of friction and gravity, the kinetic energy of the truck can be equated to the work of friction and gravity. However, if there are any errors in the math, the answer may be incorrect.
  • #1
marissa12
11
0
Truck brakes can fail if they get too hot. In some mountainous areas, ramps of loose gravel are constructed to stop runaway trucks that have lost their brakes. The combination of a slight upward slope and a large coefficient of friction in the gravel brings the truck safely to a halt. Suppose a gravel ramp slopes upward at 6 deg. and the coefficient of friction is 0.40.

Use work and energy to find the length of a ramp that will stop a 15,000 kg truck that enters the ramp at 35m/s

Delta(kinetic energy)=W(net)

W(friction)= -u_k*m*g*d(distance)
W(gravity)= -m*g*(delta y)

0.5*m*v^2= W(friction) and then you solve for d.. is this right? because i got some really weird answers
 
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  • #2
Find y in terms of d using trig and then do W(Friction) + W(gravity) = KE
 
  • #3
maybe i screwed up the math..because that didnt work

0.5*m*v^2=(-u_k*m*g*D)-(m*g*D*sin(6))
9187500=-58860d-146344d
9187500=-205204d
d=12.4

and that was still wrong, and i can't see where i messed up in the math
 

1. How does friction affect the stopping distance of a 15000 kg truck?

The force of friction between the tires and the road surface plays a crucial role in slowing down a moving truck. It acts in the opposite direction of the truck's motion and works to decrease its speed. The greater the friction between the tires and the road, the shorter the stopping distance will be.

2. What is the relationship between the weight of the truck and its stopping distance?

The weight of the truck, or its mass, directly affects its stopping distance due to the force of gravity. A heavier truck will have a greater gravitational force acting on it, which will require more friction to slow it down. This means that a 15000 kg truck will have a longer stopping distance compared to a lighter vehicle.

3. How does the road surface impact the stopping distance of a 15000 kg truck?

The road surface can greatly influence the stopping distance of a truck. A smooth, dry road will provide more friction and allow for a shorter stopping distance. However, a wet or icy road will decrease the friction between the tires and the road, resulting in a longer stopping distance for the 15000 kg truck.

4. What other factors besides friction and gravity can affect the stopping distance of a 15000 kg truck?

Other factors that can impact the stopping distance of a 15000 kg truck include the condition of the brakes, the speed at which the truck is traveling, and the reaction time of the driver. A well-maintained brake system and proper driving techniques can help reduce the stopping distance of a heavy truck.

5. How can the stopping distance of a 15000 kg truck be calculated?

The stopping distance of a truck can be calculated using the formula d = (v^2)/(2a), where d is the stopping distance, v is the initial velocity, and a is the deceleration rate. This formula takes into account the forces of friction and gravity, as well as the initial speed of the truck, to determine the distance it will take to come to a complete stop.

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