Maximum Speed on a Horizontal Bend with Friction Coefficient of 0.5?

[Sparky500]

Homework Statement

Calculate the maximum speed a vehicle can travel round a horizontal bend of radius 50m without skidding if the coefficient of friction between tyres and road is 0.5.

Homework Equations

I am not sure about the equation. As radius and coeff of friction are given, maybe something along these lines? v = μr

The Attempt at a Solution

I am puzzled as there is no mention of the weight of the car. Would this not be required in order to work it out?

Thanks a lot.

 

[Doc Al]

Is the car accelerated? What forces act on the car? How would you apply Newton's 2nd law?

(Represent the unknown mass of the car by a symbol. "m" would be a good choice. Then work the problem out and see if you need the actual value or not.)

 

[Sparky500]

I guess it will be gravity.

As to Newton F=ma (?).

Not sure whether it is accelerated, doesn't really say in question.

 

[Doc Al]

Gravity is not the only force acting on the car. (If it were, it would be falling!)

As far as whether it's accelerated, here's another clue:

...can travel round a horizontal bend of radius 50m

 

[Sparky500]

So there is also a velocity?