Solving for Skid: Exploring Kinetic Friction on a Circular Track

In summary, the conversation discusses the factors that can cause a car to skid while traveling in a circle on a track with a coefficient of kinetic friction µ. It is determined that the car will skid when the centripetal force is greater than the friction force, and on a level unbanked road, the centripetal force is equal to the static friction force. It is then concluded that the car will skid when its velocity exceeds the square root of µgr, where µ is the coefficient of static friction.
  • #1
Nishikino Maki
18
0

Homework Statement


This isn't a problem from a textbook or homework but just a general question.

Say there's a car traveling in a circle and that the track has some coefficient of kinetic friction µ. What would make the car skid?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm thinking that it skids when the centripetal is greater than the friction force? Not sure why but that's just my intuition.
 
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  • #2
If it is a level unbanked road, the centripetal force is the static friction force. What does that tell you about when the car will skid?
 
  • #3
That actually makes sense because on a level curve the friction and centripetal forces are the only ones pointing to the center.

Then I suppose it would be when the velocity of the car is greater than [itex]\sqrt{µgr}[/itex]?
 
  • #4
Nishikino Maki said:
That actually makes sense because on a level curve the friction and centripetal forces are the only ones pointing to the center.
the friction force is the centripetal force.
Then I suppose it would be when the velocity of the car is greater than [itex]\sqrt{µgr}[/itex]?
yes, where u is the coefficient of static friction, not kinetic friction.
 

1. What is kinetic friction?

Kinetic friction is the force that acts between two surfaces in contact with each other when one of the surfaces is in motion. It is caused by irregularities in the surfaces and results in the resistance to the motion of an object.

2. How is kinetic friction different from static friction?

Kinetic friction occurs when two surfaces are in motion, while static friction occurs when two surfaces are at rest. Kinetic friction is generally weaker than static friction and reduces in strength as the object's speed increases.

3. How is kinetic friction measured?

Kinetic friction is measured using a force sensor, which measures the amount of force needed to overcome the resistance of the two surfaces in motion. The unit of measurement for kinetic friction is Newtons (N).

4. How does the circular track impact kinetic friction?

The circular track creates a continuous curve, which changes the direction of motion of an object. This change in direction causes the object to experience a perpendicular force, known as centripetal force, which affects the amount of kinetic friction acting on the object.

5. What are the practical applications of understanding kinetic friction on a circular track?

Understanding kinetic friction on a circular track has practical applications in fields such as engineering, sports, and transportation. It can help in designing better tires for vehicles, improving the performance of roller coasters, and optimizing the movement of athletes in sports such as ice skating and cycling.

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