Max Friction: Calculating Car's Min Turning Radius

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the minimum turning radius of a car given its mass, speed, and maximum frictional force. The subject area includes concepts of dynamics and centripetal force.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express a need for the correct equation to solve the problem, with some indicating confusion over the completeness of the problem statement. There are attempts to clarify the situation and identify relevant equations, particularly focusing on the relationship between centripetal force and turning radius.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing insights about the necessary equation and questioning the completeness of the problem statement. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of centripetal force in the context of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of missing information and the eccentricity of the professor, which may contribute to the confusion regarding the problem's completeness. Participants are working with the data provided but express uncertainty about the problem's setup.

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?
 
Last edited:
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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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