Horsepower/friction problem, find Ff

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AI Thread Summary
A 900 kg car with a maximum power output of 40 hp can maintain a speed of 130 km/h on a flat road, prompting a calculation of the friction force impeding its motion. The correct conversion of speed from km/h to m/s is essential, as 130 km/h equals approximately 36.1 m/s, not the previously miscalculated value. Using the power formula, the friction force can be determined, leading to the correct answer of 826 N. Participants in the discussion emphasize the importance of accurate unit conversion and calculations in solving the problem. Clarifying these steps is crucial for understanding how to arrive at the correct friction force.
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Homework Statement



A 900 kg car whose motor delivers a maximum power of 40.0 hp to its wheels can maintain a steady speed of 130 km/h on a horizontal roadway. How large is the friction force that impedes its motion at this speed?

Homework Equations


Power = work done by a force/time taken or force*speed
work = change in KE + change in PE
work = cosQsF where s = distance and F = Force
1 hp = 746 Watts
KE = 1/2mv^s
PE = mgh, g = 9.81 m/s^2

The Attempt at a Solution


first must convert to SI units :
130 km/hr = 1083.3 m/s ^2 , therefore takes .000923 sec for 1 meter
40 hp = 29840 Watts

to use or not to use:
If power = force*speed, 29840 watts = F - Ff (1083), F - Ff = 27.6 N
Fx = max, Fx = 900(1083) = 974,970
974,970 - x = 27.6 , Ff = 974997.6
WRONG

if Power = work/ time
.5(900)(1083^2) = change KE = 527800050
cos0(Ff)1083 = 527800050, Ff = 487350
WRONG

the correct answer is 826 N. I'd appreciate if you could explain how to arrive at this answer!
 
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I haven't worked all the the way through this yet, but I see you have a conversion error:
130 km/hr is not 1083.3 m/s ^2. Correct both the value and units and see if that gives the expected answer.
 
Ah! simple. it really is not the 'dog ate my homework' type excuse... but there are sticky keys on my calculator. thank you fewmet!
 
Hi, I know you did this a long time ago but I am having trouble with the same problem.
How did you get 826N?
I was trying to work it out like you had posted an for conversion factor I got 36.1m/s and I used that but it didn't work. Could you help please?
 
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