Maximum Velocity Around a Curve

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating forces acting on a motorcycle and rider at the top of a hill with a specific radius of curvature. The normal force and centripetal force can be determined using the given mass and speed, but the maximum speed at which the motorcycle would lose contact with the surface is unclear due to insufficient information about the coefficient of friction. It is emphasized that friction does not play a role in maintaining contact at the hill's crest; instead, the normal force is crucial. A diagram illustrating the forces acting on the motorcycle can aid in understanding the problem. Ultimately, the key issue is the lack of data needed to calculate the maximum speed before losing contact.
Redrover33
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Homework Statement


A motorcycle (290kg) and rider (55kg) crest the top of a hill at a steady speed of 25m/s. The hill has a radius of curvature of 126m.
a) What is the magnitude of the normal force experienced by the rider?
b) What is the magnitude of the centripetal force experienced by the motorcycle?
c) At what speed would the motorcycle and rider lose contact with the surface of the hill?

Homework Equations


Fn = m*g
A = (v^2)/r
Ff = Us*Fn

Where Fn = Normal Force, Ff = Frictional Force, Us = Max static friction

The Attempt at a Solution


So a) and b) are no problem but its c) that has been bugging me all night. From what I can tell, there isn't enough information to find the maximum speed the rider can go. Am I wrong? I know that the centripetal acceleration x mass is = to the frictional force but we aren't given the maximum frictional force or the coefficient of friction.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
No, it is not friction that keeps the motorcycle on its track on the hill. What you think of, it is a horizontal curved road.

Draw a picture with a hill and the motorcycle on top. What forces act on the motorcycle and man? Find the normal force and note that the road can only exert an upward force. If this normal force should be zero or negative to make the crest, the motorcycle loses contact with the road. ehild
 

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