Finding the Torque in a 3000 lb Car Acceleration

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the torque required for a 3000 lb car that accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 10 seconds. The problem involves concepts from dynamics and rotational motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between force, acceleration, and torque, questioning the applicability of the torque formula provided. There is also a discussion on the conversion of speed and the implications for calculating acceleration.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and corrections regarding the acceleration and force calculations. There is recognition of confusion around the application of the torque formula, and some participants are clarifying their understanding of the problem's parameters.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information available for solving the problem. There is also a focus on ensuring the correct interpretation of units and conversions.

Supernerd2004
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I just need a little help going about solving this problem. This is first problem in this lesson, and it is driving me crazy. Any help would be great!

A 3000 lb car is accelerated from 0 to 60mph in 10 seconds. Find the torque needed if the car has wheels of 1 ft. Ans (825 ft lbs)

We know that T (torque) = Force X radius X sin (theta), but it doesn't seem that the equation is helpful in this problem.
Thanks,

Dan
 
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The force that accelarated the car also made the wheels turn, and this force is in the "horizontal" direction.
 
I guess I'm still a little confused. If the car went from 0 to 60 in 10 seconds, then the acceleration must be 6 feet/sec^2. So if the mass of the car is 3000/32 or 93.75 the force acting on the car is m X a = 562.5 lbs. This is where I get stuck. Thanks again for the quick response!

Dan
 
60 mph is approximately 88 ftps.
 
Wow, I can't believe I missed that. Thanks again so much for the help and the quick replies.

Dan
 

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