How Does F=ma Explain Engine Power and Weight in Racing Cars?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Newton's second law, F=ma, in the context of racing cars, specifically focusing on how engine power and weight influence acceleration. Participants explore the implications of different engine sizes and vehicle weights on performance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration, questioning how these factors apply to racing cars with varying engine sizes and weights. Some express confusion about how to articulate their understanding using F=ma.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the concepts involved, with some participants providing insights into the power-to-weight ratio and its effect on acceleration. Others express frustration and seek clearer guidance on how to frame their answers within the context of F=ma.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the requirement to explain their answers specifically in terms of F=ma, which adds a layer of complexity to their understanding of the problem. There are indications of varying levels of comfort with mathematical explanations among participants.

roxas
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explain the following in f=ma
a)a racing car has a powerful engine and is made of storng but light weight material

b)a car with a small engine can still accelerate rapidly

please help me i need model answers thanks soooooo much:biggrin: :cry: :biggrin:
 
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Welcome to PF, Roxas. In any vehicle, your acceleration depends upon 3 factors primarily. One is the power-to-weight ratio, the second is how effectively that power is applied to the road, and the third is aerodynamic drag on the vehicle. For engines built to the same specifications, a bigger one will always have more power than a little one. You will also have better acceleration from a rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive than you will from a backwards car because of weight transfer to the drive wheels.
 
my homework question says it has to be explained in f=ma, like how am i supposed to do that??:confused: :cry: :confused: :cry: :confused: :cry: :confused: :cry: :confused: :cry: :confused: :cry:
 
Well, to start with, homework questions don't belong here. This should be posted in the homework section of the forum. Secondly, I'm a practical guy, not a mathematical one, so I can't answer you in those terms. Third, whining won't help. Good luck with it, though.
 
i forgot...thats why i apologised to the mods in the second post
 
No prob. I got to get back to bed now; I was just up for a midnight snack and the wife has noticed my absence. Catch you later. :smile:
 
H3LP ME! MY L1F3 SUX I AM 3M0 PL3AS3 TE11 M3 THE AN5W3R T0 THAT QU35T10N PL3AS3 PL3ASE ANIB0DY PLEASE! . THX =) my exam is next week=(
 
OK, in terms of F=ma, acc depends of Force and mass

a = F/m

So a big heavy engine which can provide a large driving force, might also have a large mass, which would lmit the acceleration.

the smaller lighter engine, although it can't provide the same force, doesn't have the mass either so can still produce a reasonable acceleration. It's the ratio between the force and mass you need to think about for acceleration
 
edit: my sos message was posted at the same time as yours. thanks soo much
 
Last edited:
  • #10
stop panicking. Read and think.
 
  • #11
edit: oops my com crapped up and i accidentally double posted .
 
  • #12
And please, please don't ever post in whatever that style was again. It's incredibly irritating. Proper English (or as close as one can get to it if it's not his/her first language) is the acceptable form here. This is not a scolding... just pointing something out. :smile:
 

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