Rolling Friction and Bicycle Tires

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving rolling friction and bicycle tires. Two tires, inflated to different pressures, are analyzed for the distance traveled before their speed is halved, with the goal of determining the coefficient of rolling friction for the lower pressure tire.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of formulas related to motion and friction, with some attempting to derive the coefficient of rolling friction using given distances and speeds. Questions arise regarding the correct interpretation of the problem and the variables involved, such as initial velocity and the meaning of certain constants.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants exploring different equations of motion and clarifying terms. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of kinematic equations, but confusion remains about specific variables and their relevance to the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of certain information, such as mass, which is causing uncertainty in applying the equations correctly. There is also mention of previous discussions that may have influenced current understanding.

pureouchies4717
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my teacher Never went over this in class. ever. please help, thanks

Two bicycle tires are set rolling with the same initial speed of 3.70 m/s along a long, straight road, and the distance each travels before its speed is reduced by half is measured. One tire is inflated to a pressure of 40 psi and goes a distance of 18.4 m; the other is at 105 psi and goes a distance of 94.0 m. Assume that the net horizontal force is due to rolling friction only and take the free-fall acceleration to be g = 9.80 m/s^2. What is the coefficient of rolling friction ur for the tire under low pressure?
 
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i tried to use this formula:

ur= v/[(d/v) x g]

and got

ur=.075, but it said i was wrong

You are off by a constant. Be sure you are using the right equation of motion. Also, note that the distance given is not the stopping distance, but rather the distance that the object travels before its speed is reduced by half.

^ what exactly does it mean to be off by a constant?
 
Last edited:
anyone?

:frown:
 
Use the kinematic formula v = u + at to obtain an acceleration. Then equate this with the force in F_r = \mu R
 
Hootenanny said:
Use the kinematic formula v = u + at to obtain an acceleration. Then equate this with the force in F_r = \mu R

hmm but the problem is that i don't have u; that is actually what I am looking for
 
Yes you do, u refers to the intial velocity. \mu is the coeffiecent of friction. Sorry for the different symbols, its just the notation I'm used to.
 
Hootenanny said:
Yes you do, u refers to the intial velocity. \mu is the coeffiecent of friction. Sorry for the different symbols, its just the notation I'm used to.

o i see, but i still don't have time. and i don't really get what that "R" refers to. if its radius, i didnt get it in this problem
 
R is the normal reaction force, which is the product of the mass and the gravitational field strength.
 
i still don't understand since I am not given mass
 
  • #10
Masses will cancel, this is the same process you used for the boy/swing/inclined plane question.
ma = \mu mg
 
  • #11
so which equations did you use?
 
  • #12
How do you know what time is? when using v = v + at..
 
  • #13
cpark43 said:
How do you know what time is? when using v = v + at..
Looking back on this thread from two years ago, it would have been more appropriate to use the equation v2 = u2+2as. I don't know why I suggested the original one.
 

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