Can a Real Car Survive the Physics of a Scaled-Up Hot Wheels Loop?

[ys2050]

We did an experiment with hot wheels and we calculated its initial velocity, maximum centripetal acceleration, and maximum g force. The length of it was 5.0cm, initial velocity was 2.1 x 10^2m/s and max. centripetal acc. was 4.0 x 10^3 cm/s^2 and max. g-force of 4.5g

We scaled up the values to that of the real car; length of 4.9m

This is a lab about forces and energy. What are some comments I can make about the scaled up values? I know that it would be impossible because it needs to have a max. cent. acc. of 4.0 x 10^3m/s^2 and max g-force of 4.1 x 10^3g but what are some physics behind it that makes this impossible? and how is g-force relevant for the scaled up values?? doesn't it just mean that u'll feel heavier?

 

[jbsteele]

Scaling up the values from the Hot Wheels experiment to that of a real car is impossible for a variety of reasons. For starters, the initial velocity of 2.1 x 10^2m/s would require a massive amount of energy to achieve and maintain. Additionally, the maximum centripetal acceleration of 4.0 x 10^3 cm/s^2 and the maximum g-force of 4.1 x 10^3g would be far too high for a real car to experience without experiencing significant damage. G-Force is incredibly relevant for the scaled up values because it is the measure of the force of acceleration that an object experiences. When experiencing a high g-force, an object will feel significantly heavier due to the increased inertia created by the acceleration. In a real car, this could cause the driver to experience extreme discomfort, or even loss of consciousness. It is therefore important to keep the g-forces within safe limits.

 

[Moetasim]

The scaled up values in this experiment may not accurately represent the behavior of a real car going around a loop. While the length may have been increased to 4.9m, the initial velocity, maximum centripetal acceleration, and maximum g-force have all been scaled up significantly. This may not be a realistic representation of a real car, as it would require a much greater amount of energy and force to achieve these values.

In terms of the physics behind it, there are a few factors that make it impossible for a real car to achieve these scaled up values. First, the maximum centripetal acceleration is limited by the friction between the car's tires and the track. As the car goes around the loop, it is constantly changing direction and experiencing a centripetal force that is directed towards the center of the loop. This force is limited by the friction between the tires and the track, which can only provide a certain amount of centripetal acceleration.

Additionally, the maximum g-force is limited by the strength and durability of the car and its occupants. As the car goes around the loop, the occupants will experience a force that is equivalent to their weight multiplied by the g-force. For example, a 1000kg car going around a loop with a maximum g-force of 4.5g would experience a force of 4500N, which is equivalent to the weight of over 450kg. This would put a significant strain on the car's structure and potentially cause harm to the occupants.

In summary, while scaling up the values in this experiment may provide interesting insights into the forces and energy involved in a real car going around a loop, it may not accurately represent the behavior of a real car due to limitations in friction and the strength of the car and its occupants. The concept of g-force is relevant in this scenario as it can help us understand the impact of the forces involved on the car and its occupants.