- #1
thepatient
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So I've been pondering on this question for quite a while and I'm a little stumped. It's not a homework problem; just a problem I came across yahoo answers a week ago. Basically it's a true or false question:
If a highway curve is properly banked and posted at 45 mph, it is a good idea to drive somewhat below this speed if your tires are bald or if the road is icy?
a(rad) = v^2/R
F(net) = ma
F (static friction force) is less than or equal to Force of normal times coefficient of static friction.
So basically, I first assumed it's true, because the reduced friction between the road and tires at a higher speed would probably make you skid off the road. Others said false because it's undergoing uniform circular motion through the curve. Which would also make sense too.
What do you guys think? Am I right or wrong? XD I tried solving but there are too many unknowns and the force of static friction would have an x and y component if I choose a standard axis, which makes it very messy. I tried a tilted axis, but then I get an x and y component of acceleration, which is just as bad. XD
Homework Statement
If a highway curve is properly banked and posted at 45 mph, it is a good idea to drive somewhat below this speed if your tires are bald or if the road is icy?
Homework Equations
a(rad) = v^2/R
F(net) = ma
F (static friction force) is less than or equal to Force of normal times coefficient of static friction.
The Attempt at a Solution
So basically, I first assumed it's true, because the reduced friction between the road and tires at a higher speed would probably make you skid off the road. Others said false because it's undergoing uniform circular motion through the curve. Which would also make sense too.
What do you guys think? Am I right or wrong? XD I tried solving but there are too many unknowns and the force of static friction would have an x and y component if I choose a standard axis, which makes it very messy. I tried a tilted axis, but then I get an x and y component of acceleration, which is just as bad. XD