Symbolic Centripetal Force Problem on WebAssign

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a physics problem involving a car accelerating uniformly on a flat, circular track, where the objective is to determine the coefficient of static friction. The user proposes that the coefficient can be expressed as \(\frac{\pi * a}{g}\), where \(a\) is the tangential acceleration and \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity. However, the user encounters an error on WebAssign, suggesting that their symbolic solution may not be accepted, despite it working for a similar non-symbolic problem. This indicates potential discrepancies in WebAssign's evaluation criteria.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of centripetal force and its relation to circular motion.
  • Familiarity with static friction and its coefficient calculations.
  • Knowledge of kinematic equations for uniformly accelerated motion.
  • Basic grasp of symbolic manipulation in physics equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of the coefficient of static friction in circular motion scenarios.
  • Investigate the differences between symbolic and numerical problem-solving in physics.
  • Explore common issues with online homework platforms like WebAssign regarding symbolic answers.
  • Study the implications of tangential acceleration on circular motion dynamics.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those tackling problems related to circular motion and friction, as well as educators looking to understand common pitfalls in online assessment tools.

darthfodder
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Homework Statement



A car traveling on a flat (unbanked), circular track accelerates uniformly from rest with a tangential acceleration of a. The car makes it one quarter of the way around the circle before it skids off the track. From these data, determine the coefficient of static friction between the car and the track. (Use any variable or symbol stated above along with the following as necessary: g for the acceleration of gravity.)

3. An attempt at a solution.

I believe the answer is \frac{\pi * a}{g}. If you need, I can post how I got there. Using the same way I got there worked on the non-symbolic problem that is otherwise the same before it. But WebAssign is telling me the symbolic one is wrong. So either I got lucky on the non-symbolic problem, or WebAssign is being very picky. Just trying to figure out which it is.
 
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I agree with your answer, so I'd lean towards some issue with WebAssign.
 

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