Max Friction: Calculating Car's Min Turning Radius

AI Thread Summary
To calculate 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 is Fc = mv²/R, where Fc is the centripetal force. The discussion highlights the need for this equation to solve the problem, as the user lost their reference materials. The provided values allow for the calculation of the turning radius, assuming all frictional force is used for turning. The user initially guessed a radius of 30m, but confirmation of the calculation method is necessary. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between mass, speed, friction, and turning radius in physics.
WeldingWoman
Messages
3
Reaction score
0

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:
Physics news on Phys.org


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!
 

Similar threads

Friction direction change in a inclined circular bend (car on a road)
Replies
11
Views
1K
Determine max force and acceleration to safely make a turn
Replies
6
Views
2K
Banked Turn: Navigating Car Dynamics on Curves
Replies
12
Views
3K
Calculating max acceleration of a Tesla car
Replies
11
Views
3K
Car that undergoes non-uniform circular motion
Replies
1
Views
1K
Max Speed of Car on Wet Ramp Turn at 20° Bank
Replies
3
Views
2K
Cars rounding a slippery banked corner in the rain
Replies
20
Views
3K
Finding max velocity for a kart on a circular, banked track
Replies
2
Views
2K
Force of Friction: Stopping 1,000kg Car at .8 Coeff.
Replies
2
Views
1K
Coefficient of Friction question for a cart going down a wooden ramp
Replies
18
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top