Max Friction: Calculating Car's Min Turning Radius

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the minimum turning radius of a 1200-kg car traveling at 10 m/s, with a maximum frictional force of 4000 N. The relevant equation for this calculation is Fc = mv²/R, where Fc represents the centripetal force, m is the mass, v is the velocity, and R is the turning radius. Participants emphasize that all necessary data is provided to solve the problem, and the minimum turning radius can be determined by rearranging the equation to isolate R.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of centripetal force and its role in circular motion
  • Familiarity with basic physics equations involving mass, velocity, and radius
  • Knowledge of frictional forces and their impact on vehicle dynamics
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations to solve for unknown variables
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of the centripetal force equation, Fc = mv²/R
  • Explore the effects of varying frictional forces on vehicle handling and turning radius
  • Learn about the principles of vehicle dynamics and stability during cornering
  • Investigate real-world applications of turning radius calculations in automotive engineering
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, automotive engineers, and anyone interested in understanding vehicle dynamics and turning mechanics.

WeldingWoman
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Homework Statement


A 1200-kg car is traveling at 10 m/s on a road such that the maximum frictional force between its tires and the road is 4000 N. The minimum turning radius of the car is

Homework Equations


I need the equation to solve.

The Attempt at a Solution


30m?
 
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I think you forgot to complete the problem statement
 


I really just need the correct equation. I lost my paper with equations on it.
 


WeldingWoman said:
I really just need the correct equation. I lost my paper with equations on it.

well okay but I can't tell what your problem is even about because it appears incomplete

there are a lot of different situations that involve "A 1200-kg car is traveling at 10 m/s on a road such that the maximum frictional force between its tires and the road is 4000 N. The minimum turning radius of the car is..."

and there are a lot of equations that could be used in all of those situations
 


WeldingWoman said:

Homework Statement


A 1200-kg car is traveling at 10 m/s on a road such that the maximum frictional force between its tires and the road is 4000 N. The minimum turning radius of the car is

Homework Equations


I need the equation to solve.

The Attempt at a Solution


30m?

I think the equation you are looking for is Fc = mv2/R

Fc is the centripetal Force required for mass m , traveling as speed v, to move in a circle of radius R.

You certainly have all the data required to solve that problem. The tightest curve will be when all the frictional force is used entirely to turn. if you want to speed up or slow down as well, then it is a little harder.

EDIT: Your suggested answer may even be correct, but how did you get it? Lucky guess?
 


SHISHKABOB said:
I think you forgot to complete the problem statement

No, that's all she gave me. My professor is a little eccentric, and yes the answer I gave was a lucky guess lol.
 


WeldingWoman said:
No, that's all she gave me. My professor is a little eccentric, and yes the answer I gave was a lucky guess lol.

So have you tried using that formula I gave? It contains 4 unknowns - but you know the value of 3 of them, so calculating the 4th should be a breeze!
 

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