How to Calculate Total Kinetic Energy of a Car with Rotational Motion?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the total kinetic energy of a car, including both translational and rotational components, as well as exploring the effects of rotational inertia on acceleration and error estimation. The subject area encompasses dynamics and rotational motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to account for both translational and rotational kinetic energy, questioning the formulas used and their application. There is an exploration of how to calculate rotational inertia and its impact on the overall kinetic energy.

Discussion Status

Some participants have made progress on part (a) of the problem, while others express uncertainty about how to approach the remaining parts. There is a mix of successful attempts and requests for guidance on subsequent questions, indicating an ongoing exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of rotational motion and its contribution to kinetic energy, with some confusion about the correct application of formulas and the implications of ignoring certain factors.

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Homework Statement


The 1900 kg mass of a car includes four tires, each of mass (including wheels) 40 kg and diameter 0.80 m. Assume each tire and wheel combination acts as a solid cylinder.
(a) Determine the total kinetic energy of the car when traveling 60 km/h.


(b) Determine the fraction of the kinetic energy in the tires and wheels.
%

(c) If the car is initially at rest and is then pulled by a tow truck with a force of 2500 N, what is the acceleration of the car? Ignore frictional losses.


(d) What percent error would you make in part (c) if you ignored the rotational inertia of the tires and wheels?


Homework Equations


I would understand where to go in step two. For step 1 i was using K=1/2 mv^2
For step 3 i used F=ma. Apparantly I am totally wrong.

The Attempt at a Solution


Help. The formulas I use are giving me incorrect results. about 200,000 J is what I got
 
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You're forgetting the rotational kinetic energy stored in the rotation of the wheels. In addition to the \frac{mv^2}{2} there should be a \frac{I\omega^2}{2} term.
 
the rotational kinetic energy can be found from
I=1/2*40*4*.4^2?
and
60*1000/3600=v
omega=v/0.4?
 
check that. I was able to solve part a)..thankyou!
I do not even know how to start on the next 3 parts..if you could point me where to go I would be indebted.

wouldnt b simply be to divide the rotational Kinetic energy by the total kinetic energy? apparently not..
 

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