Pressure on tyres of a vehicle question - Calculating weight

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the weight of a vehicle based on tyre pressure and contact area. The pressure in the tyres is given as 280 kPa, which converts to 280,000 Pa. Using the formula Force = Pressure x Area, the force exerted by one tyre is calculated as 3,360 N. Since there are four tyres, the total weight of the vehicle is determined to be 13,440 N.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of pressure units (kPa to Pa conversion)
  • Basic knowledge of force calculations using the formula Force = Pressure x Area
  • Familiarity with the concept of contact area in physics
  • Ability to perform unit conversions and arithmetic operations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of pressure and force in fluid mechanics
  • Learn about unit conversions, specifically between kPa and Pa
  • Explore the implications of tyre pressure on vehicle performance
  • Investigate the relationship between weight distribution and contact area in vehicles
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students studying physics, automotive engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the calculations related to vehicle weight and tyre pressure.

Molly1235
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Homework Statement



The pressure in the tyres of a vehicle is 280 kPa. The contact area of each of the four tyres on the ground is 0.012m^2. Calculate the weight of the vehicle.

Homework Equations



Force = Pressure x Area

The Attempt at a Solution



280 kPa = 2800000 Pa

Force = 2800000 x 0.012 = 33,600N

Am I right in assuming that this is the weight of one tyre, so you have to multiply this by 4 to get the force of the whole vehicle on the ground??

I think I've gone completely wrong here so would be grateful for some help!

Thanks :-)
 
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Molly1235 said:

Homework Statement



The pressure in the tyres of a vehicle is 280 kPa. The contact area of each of the four tyres on the ground is 0.012m^2. Calculate the weight of the vehicle.

Homework Equations



Force = Pressure x Area

The Attempt at a Solution



280 kPa = 2800000 Pa

Force = 2800000 x 0.012 = 33,600N

Am I right in assuming that this is the weight of one tyre, so you have to multiply this by 4 to get the force of the whole vehicle on the ground??

I think I've gone completely wrong here so would be grateful for some help!

Thanks :-)

Double check your conversion of 280 kPa to Pa.
 
SteamKing said:
Double check your conversion of 280 kPa to Pa.

Oops - wouldn't it be 280,000 Pa?
 
Molly1235 said:
Am I right in assuming that this is the weight of one tyre, so you have to multiply this by 4 to get the force of the whole vehicle on the ground??

Yep!

Molly1235 said:
Oops - wouldn't it be 280,000 Pa?

That looks better! :smile:
 
I like Serena said:
Yep!



That looks better! :smile:

So my method was correct??
 
Molly1235 said:
So my method was correct??

Yes.
 
I like Serena said:
Yes.

Yay! Thank you very much!
 
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