How Much Force Does a Track Exert on a Speeding Car?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the average net force exerted by a track on a speeding car during acceleration. The subject area includes concepts from dynamics and force analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the average net force using the formula F=ma but expresses confusion about the role of the track in applying force. Some participants question the implications of a frictionless track on the car's ability to accelerate.

Discussion Status

Participants are engaging in a light-hearted manner while exploring the nature of forces involved in the scenario. Some guidance has been offered regarding the role of the track in providing horizontal force, but no consensus has been reached on the implications of the assumptions made.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of potential confusion regarding the terminology used in the problem statement, particularly about the track's role in applying force. The original poster's reference to a "dragster" instead of a "train" indicates a need for clarity in the context of the discussion.

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Homework Statement


After a day of testing race cars, you decide to take your own 1550 kg car onto the test track. While moving down the track at 10 m/s, you uniformly accelerate to 30 m/s in 10 s. What is the average net force that the track has applied to the car during the 10 s interval?


Homework Equations


F=ma


The Attempt at a Solution


Is it just (20/10)*1550? the only thing that confuses me is "the average net force that the track has applied to the car." The track applied to the car. Did the track apply the force?
 
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Your calculation is correct. Yes, the track applied the force. What else is there (not part of the train) that could provide a horizontal force? Or, if the track were completely frictionless, i.e. cannot provide a horizontal force, would the train be able to accelerate?
 
If the dragster moves like a squid :) Sorry, I couldn't resist, but seriously, thanks!
 
Sorry, dragster not train. Rocket-propelled dragsters do act like squids, so your comment is not as silly as you might think.
 

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