Percentage increase in resistance to motion

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of the percentage increase in resistance to motion, specifically in the context of automotive physics. The correct formula involves squaring the speed increase, leading to a 44% increase in resistance when speed increases by 20%. The initial miscalculation of 9.5% was due to incorrectly applying the square root instead of the square. This highlights the importance of using the correct mathematical operations in physics problems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics principles related to motion and resistance
  • Familiarity with percentage calculations and their applications
  • Knowledge of the relationship between speed and resistive forces
  • Basic mathematical skills, including squaring numbers
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of resistive forces in automotive dynamics
  • Learn about the mathematical principles behind percentage increases
  • Explore the implications of speed on fuel consumption in vehicles
  • Study the effects of aerodynamic drag on vehicle performance
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, automotive engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of vehicle motion and resistance forces.

greg_rack
Gold Member
Messages
361
Reaction score
79
Homework Statement
The resistance to the motion of a car is directly proportional to the square of the speed of the car.
The car increases its speed by 20%.
What is the percentage increase in the resistance to the motion of the car?
Relevant Equations
Percentage increase;
So, I simply used the percentage increase formula for the resistance force, but what I come up with is a 9.5% increase, as opposed to the 44% it should be...
Here's my procedure:
IMG_4016.JPG
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It's the square, not the square root.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: greg_rack
willem2 said:
It's the square, not the square root.
What a fool! I'm Italian and understanding physics problems isn't always easy 😅... thank you!
 
The resistive force to the movement of your car (and fuel consumption) always grows more rapidly than the speed does.
If the car increases its speed by 20%, naturally the percentage increase in the resistance to its motion should be 44%.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: greg_rack

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
850
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
872
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K