Comparing Sideward Static Friction Forces on Cars of Different Masses and Speeds

In summary, when comparing the sideward static friction forces acting on car 1 and car 2 as they round a curve of different radii at different speeds, the magnitude F2 of the force on car 2 is four times greater than the magnitude F1 of the force on car 1. This is due to the fact that car 2 has twice the mass and is traveling at twice the speed, resulting in a centripetal force that is four times greater than that of car 1.
  • #1
courtney1121
68
0
Car 1 with mass m rounds a curve of radius R traveling at a constant speed v. Car 2 with a mass 2m rounds a curve of radius 2R at a constant speed 2v. How does the magnitude F2 of the sideward static friction force acting on car 2 compare with the magnitude F1 of the sideward static friction force acting on car 1?

a. F1 = 4F2
b. F1 = 2F2
c. F1 = F2
d. F2 = 2F1
e. F2 = 4F1
 
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  • #2
In order to get some help, you should show some efforts first.
 
  • #3
sorry, I had listed my knowns but it didn't show

Anyways

I know that car 1 has half of everything car 2 has, so wouldn't it make sense that F2 = 2F1?
 
  • #4
Hint: compare the centripetal forces.
 
  • #5
Ok the equation of centripetal forces is mv^2/r. The force of car one is simply mv^2/r and the centripteal force of car 2 would be 4mv^2/2r which equals 2mv^2/r. So Force of car 2 is twice that of force of car 1 so F1=2F2?
 
  • #6
courtney1121 said:
Ok the equation of centripetal forces is mv^2/r. The force of car one is simply mv^2/r and the centripteal force of car 2 would be 4mv^2/2r which equals 2mv^2/r. So Force of car 2 is twice that of force of car 1 so F1=2F2?

The centripetal force exerted on the second car is 2m (2v)^2/(2R) = 4m v^2/R.
 
  • #7
what happened to 2R?
 
  • #8
courtney1121 said:
what happened to 2R?

[tex]2m \frac{(2v)^2}{2R}= 2m \frac{4v^2}{2R}= 2m \frac{2v^2}{R}= 4m \frac{v^2}{R}[/tex]. I hope you agree on that. :smile:
 
  • #9
ok ok i see what you did now
 
  • #10
so then that means F2 = 4F1
 
  • #11
Yes, since the sideward frictional force should balance the centripetal force.
 

What is static friction force?

Static friction force is the force that prevents two objects from sliding past each other when they are in contact and at rest. It is a type of friction force that is exerted between two surfaces in contact with each other.

What factors affect static friction force?

The factors that affect static friction force include the nature of the surfaces in contact, the force pressing the surfaces together, and the angle at which the force is applied.

How is static friction force different from kinetic friction force?

Static friction force is the force that prevents motion between two objects at rest, while kinetic friction force is the force that opposes the motion of two objects that are already in motion. Static friction force is generally greater than kinetic friction force.

How is static friction force measured?

Static friction force is measured using a device called a force sensor, which can measure the amount of force needed to overcome the static friction force between two objects. It is typically measured in Newtons (N).

What are some real-life examples of static friction force?

Some real-life examples of static friction force include pushing a heavy object such as a car, walking on a slippery surface, or trying to open a jar lid. In all of these situations, static friction force is what allows us to overcome the resistance between two surfaces and move them past each other.

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