Can Static and Kinetic Friction Prevent a Car Crash?

In summary, to stop the car just as it reaches the wall, a magnitude of static friction of 8014 N is needed. The maximum possible static friction is 6860 N. The car will hit the wall at a speed of 19.6 m/s. To avoid a crash, a frictional force of 40070 N is required to keep the car in a circular path of radius 107m and at a speed of 35 m/s. The required force for a circular path is not the maximum static friction.
  • #1
mb218
3
0

Homework Statement



Assume that the driver begins to brake the car when the distance to the wall is d=107m, and take the car's mass as m-1400kg, its initial speed as vo= 35m/s and the static coefficient to be .50. Assume that the car's weight is distributed evenly on the four wheels, even during braking.
a.) what magnitude of static friction is needed between the tires and road to stop the car just as it reaches the wall?
b.) what is the max possible static friction?
c.) if the coefficient of kinetic friction betweeen the sliding tires and the road is .40, at what speed will the car hit the wall.
d.) to avoid the crash, a driver could elect to turn the car so that it just barely misses the wall. What magnitude of frictional force would be required to keep the car in a circular path of radius d and at the given speed vo?
e.) is the required force that the maximum static friction so that a circular path is possible?



Homework Equations


N=mg
F=ma
v2=v initial-2ad


The Attempt at a Solution



a.)f=ma
f= 1400 x 5.724
f= 8014 N

b.) Fs max= usFn
=.5 x 1400 x 9.8
=6860

c.) ma= -ukmg
a=-.4 x 9.8
=-3.92

v2= 35^2+2x-3.92x107
v=19.6 m/s

d.)
mv^2/R= uk x N
N= 40070 N
 
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  • #2
mb218 said:

Homework Statement



Assume that the driver begins to brake the car when the distance to the wall is d=107m, and take the car's mass as m-1400kg, its initial speed as vo= 35m/s and the static coefficient to be .50. Assume that the car's weight is distributed evenly on the four wheels, even during braking.
a.) what magnitude of static friction is needed between the tires and road to stop the car just as it reaches the wall?
b.) what is the max possible static friction?
c.) if the coefficient of kinetic friction betweeen the sliding tires and the road is .40, at what speed will the car hit the wall.
d.) to avoid the crash, a driver could elect to turn the car so that it just barely misses the wall. What magnitude of frictional force would be required to keep the car in a circular path of radius d and at the given speed vo?
e.) is the required force that the maximum static friction so that a circular path is possible?



Homework Equations


N=mg
F=ma
v2=v initial-2ad


The Attempt at a Solution



a.)f=ma
f= 1400 x 5.724
f= 8014 N

b.) Fs max= usFn
=.5 x 1400 x 9.8
=6860

c.) ma= -ukmg
a=-.4 x 9.8
=-3.92

v2= 35^2+2x-3.92x107
v=19.6 m/s
Your answers to a, b, and c look OK
d.)
mv^2/R= uk x N
N= 40070 N
If the car is to stay in a circle, it is not sliding..use the static friction coeficient... Don't solve for N, N is known...you are looking for the the friction force required to keep it in the circle (mv^2/r)...Since F_f (max)= u_s(N), can you answer part e?
 

1. What is static friction?

Static friction is the force that prevents two stationary surfaces from sliding against each other. It acts in the opposite direction of the applied force, keeping the surfaces in place.

2. How is static friction different from kinetic friction?

Static friction occurs when two surfaces are not moving against each other, while kinetic friction occurs when there is relative motion between the two surfaces. Kinetic friction is typically lower than static friction.

3. What factors affect the magnitude of static and kinetic friction?

The magnitude of static and kinetic friction depends on the nature of the surfaces in contact, the normal force between the surfaces, and any external forces applied.

4. Can the coefficient of friction change for a given surface?

Yes, the coefficient of friction can change depending on the conditions. For example, the coefficient of static friction may be higher when surfaces are clean and dry, but it may decrease when there is moisture or debris present.

5. How is the coefficient of friction measured?

The coefficient of friction is typically measured by conducting experiments where the force required to move an object across a surface is compared to the weight of the object. The ratio of these two values gives the coefficient of friction.

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