Free-body diagram to identify the forces acting on the car

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a car navigating a banked curve without friction. The scenario includes parameters such as the radius of the curve, the speed of the car, and the acceleration due to gravity. Participants are tasked with determining the angle of the banked curve using a free-body diagram.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of free-body diagrams to identify forces acting on the car and question the relationships between mass, gravity, and centripetal force. There are attempts to apply equations related to circular motion and tangents, with some participants expressing confusion over variable definitions and calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring various interpretations of the problem. Some guidance has been provided regarding the use of free-body diagrams and the correct application of formulas for a frictionless banked curve. However, there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach or calculations yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that the car is moving without friction, which influences the equations being discussed. There is also uncertainty regarding the definitions of variables such as M and m, as well as the implications of certain calculations leading to unexpected results.

kimikims
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Where do I start?


A curve of radius 56.5 m is banked so that
a car traveling with uniform speed 59 km/hr
can round the curve without relying on friction
to keep it from slipping to its left or right.
The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s^2

What is Q? Answer in units of degrees.
 
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Again, use a free-body diagram to identify the forces acting on the car. Remember, the car is traveling in circular motion; what does that tell you?
 
Is this the right equation?

Mg = 1.3
g = 9.8 m/s^2
Radius = 56.5 m
Speed = 59km/hr
m = 0

Mg Tan = mV^2/R

1.3 Mg Tan = 0 x (59)^2 / 56.5

But wouldn't that just make it zero?? I'm lost.
 
What is M and what is m??
and why is m=0?
 
Wait...

M x g tan = m (V^2/g)

g tan = V^2 / g

9.8 tan = [(16.2)^2 / 56.5]

9.8 tan = 4.644955752 (Do I just type it in as that? or do I need to divide by 9.8)

I am trying to find the degree of the angle.
 
k...in this case...the force of gravity = centripetal force...which I think you have figured out already...

You are correct in stating that centripetal force= mv^2 / R

Now draw a free body diagram to find the force of gravity...its not mg tan (angle)...its mg * something...

...work from there.
 
thermodynamicaldude said:
k...in this case...the force of gravity = centripetal force...which I think you have figured out already...

You are correct in stating that centripetal force= mv^2 / R

Now draw a free body diagram to find the force of gravity...its not mg tan (angle)...its mg * something...

...work from there.


tan = V^2 / Rg ??

tan = (59)^2 / (56.5) (9.8)

tan = .62867905

= .0109729727 ?

that doesn't make sense
 
Kimikins,

\tan \theta =\frac{v^2}{rg}

Only works without friction!, it's the formula to find the angle of a frictionless banked curve. To solve this problem do as the other says, do a freebody diagram and identify all the forces (components) pointing toward the center.
 

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