Normal Force on Car at Top of Rounded Hill

  • Thread starter Thread starter y90x
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Hill
AI Thread Summary
A 1000 kg sports car traveling at 20 m/s crosses the top of a hill with a radius of 100 m, prompting a calculation of the normal force. The calculated centripetal acceleration is 4 m/s², leading to a normal force estimation of 5800 N using the formula Fn = mv²/r + mg. However, the expected answer is 6206 N, raising questions about the calculation. Participants suggest that the discrepancy may stem from misinterpretation of forces or significant figures in the problem. Clarification from a teacher or tutor is recommended to resolve the issue.
y90x
Messages
47
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



a 1000kg sports car moving at 20m/s crosses the round top of a hill (radius of 100 m) . Determine the normal force on the car

Homework Equations


Newton’s second law
F=ma

The Attempt at a Solution


I figured out the centripetal acceleration
Ac= v^2/r
= 4 m/s^2
My attempt at finding the normal force :
Fn= mv^2/r + mg
= 1,000•20^2 / 100 + 1,000•9.8
=5800N
But the answer is 6206 N
Where did I go wrong ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
y90x said:
Fn= mv^2/r + mg
Presumably you are basing that on ΣF=ma. In that regard, what is ΣF and what is a? Pay attention to signs.
But maybe that was just a typo, since you have applied the correct sign to get this:
y90x said:
=5800N
I cannot explain 6206N.
 
y90x said:
Where did I go wrong ?

I honestly cannot make out what you have done wrong. Actually, I remember doing this exact question when I was studying. It was confusing, but you seem to have gotten it. 6206 N seems wrong. Forget about the numerical value, why would your physics textbook or class use 4 sig-figs for a problem with only 1 sig-fig.

Either you haven't given all the information (which I doubt) or, and I really don't want to jump to conclusions, the answer is wrong. Please ask you teacher or tutor and let us know what the answer or issue was.

P.S. Are you studying from CTY? All your posts seem to be questions from there. Just guessing, could be wrong.
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'
In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
Back
Top