Pressure on tyres of a vehicle question - Calculating weight

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the weight of a vehicle based on the pressure in its tyres and the contact area of each tyre with the ground. The subject area pertains to physics concepts related to pressure and force.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between pressure, area, and force, with one participant attempting to calculate the weight of the vehicle based on the given pressure and contact area. Questions arise regarding the conversion of pressure units and the interpretation of the calculated force as it relates to the total weight of the vehicle.

Discussion Status

There is a back-and-forth exchange where participants confirm the correctness of the conversion from kPa to Pa and the method used to calculate the force. Some participants express uncertainty about their assumptions and seek validation of their reasoning.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the unit conversion of pressure, which is critical for the calculations. Participants are also exploring whether the calculated force represents the weight of one tyre or the total weight of the vehicle.

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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