How Does Friction Affect a Car's Maximum Acceleration?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem concerning the maximum acceleration of a rear-wheel-drive car, given its weight distribution and coefficient of static friction. Participants are exploring the relationship between friction and acceleration in the context of vehicle dynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to determine the friction force acting on the rear tires and how it relates to the car's acceleration. Questions arise about the application of Newton's second law and the necessary calculations to find the maximum acceleration.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering guidance on using Newton's second law to analyze the forces at play. There is an acknowledgment of the need to clarify the initial steps required to approach the problem, particularly regarding the calculation of the friction force.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about how to initiate the problem, indicating a potential gap in understanding the foundational concepts required for the calculations. The problem also assumes infinite engine power, which may influence the discussion on acceleration.

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Homework Statement



A rear-wheel-drive car supports 42% of its weight on its two drive wheels and has a coefficient of static friction of 0.80.

What is the car's maximum acceleration?

Assuming infinite engine power, how long will it take the car to reach 105 km/h?

Homework Equations



F_g = mg

µ_s(F_n) = F_f

The Attempt at a Solution



Unsure how to begin problem, D;.
 
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What is u_s(F_n) on the rear tires? That's the friction force that accelerates the car forward per Newton's 2nd law. What is the car's acceleration, and then find the time it takes to reach the given speed?
 
Ya I know what I'm supposed to find, it says that in the problem. To be honest the second part of the problem is easy once the first part is done. I just don't know how to go about starting the first part.
 
use Newton 2, F_net =ma, where F_net is the maximum available horizontal force acting forward on the rear tires. What is that force?
 

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