Newton's Laws of Motion Question

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the total retarding force required by a parachute to stop a race car weighing 8820 N, traveling at 35 m/s, over a distance of 1000 m. The user initially applied the kinematic equation \(V^2 = V_0^2 + 2ad\) and calculated an acceleration of -0.6125 m/s². However, the user overlooked the negative sign, which is crucial for indicating deceleration. The correct force calculation using \(F = ma\) yields a retarding force of 551.25 N, confirming the importance of sign in physics equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Laws of Motion
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations
  • Basic knowledge of force calculations using \(F = ma\)
  • Ability to interpret negative values in physics contexts
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the application of kinematic equations in motion problems
  • Study the implications of negative acceleration in physics
  • Practice calculating forces using \(F = ma\) with various scenarios
  • Explore real-world applications of parachute physics in automotive safety
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching motion concepts, and automotive engineers interested in safety mechanisms involving deceleration.

Lelex
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okay, so I've tried this problem and I keep getting it wrong. I would really appreciate some help in solving it. Here is the question:


The parachute on a race car of weight 8820 N opens at the end of a quarter-mile run when the car is traveling at 35 m/s. What total retarding force must be supplied by the parachute to stop the car in a distance of 1000m?


I know there is probably some really simple equation to solve it but I just can't seem to get it. What i tried was using the equation Vsquared=Vosquared + 2ad

I got 0=35squared + 2a(1000), a=.6125 and then plugged that into F=ma to get F=900(.6125)=551.25

I am I even on the right track with this? Please help!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Looks fine to me.
 
Thanks for looking. I found out the reason I kept getting it wrong was that I forgot the negative sign. It's the silly mistakes that do you in.
 

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