Uniform circular motion on a banked curve

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a car of mass 1200 kg navigating a banked curve at an angle of 18 degrees and a radius of 130 m. The frictional force acting on the car is given as 3.5 x 10^3 N directed down the banked curve. The objective is to determine the speed of the car.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to analyze the problem by breaking it into x and y components and derives an expression for speed. Some participants question the validity of the derived expression, particularly regarding unit consistency and the inclusion of terms. Others provide insights into the forces acting on the car, suggesting a focus on the centripetal force.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing feedback on the original poster's calculations and others exploring different interpretations of the forces involved. There is a noted progression in understanding, as the original poster revises their calculations based on feedback received.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the posting process within the forum, with some participants seeking guidance on how to navigate the platform effectively.

Sean1218
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Homework Statement



A car with mass 1200kg rounds a curve banked at 18 degrees. The radius of the curve is 130 m.

Find the speed of the car if the frictional force between the tires and the road is 3.5 x 10^3 down the banked curve.

Homework Equations



ac = v2/r

The Attempt at a Solution



After breaking it up into x and y components, I came up with the following:

v = sqrt((rFgtanx + Fktanxsinx + Fkcosx)/m)

Solving for it, I got about 20 m/s. The answer is 29 m/s. I think I just made some sort of calculating error or missed a negative, but I haven't been able to find it. Any help?
 
Last edited:
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That v expression can't be right - the units vary from term to term.
Perhaps all the terms should have an r in them.
I don't see how you get the tans. What is Fk?

I have a diagram with Ff along the ramp, mg down and Fn (road pushing on the car) perpendicular to the ramp. I believe the sum of the horizontal components of these 3 forces is the centripetal force. I get an answer larger than 29 for v.
 
im sorry this is irrelevant to the question but I am new and i need to post a question; how do i do that? help I am lost lol
 
awertag said:
im sorry this is irrelevant to the question but I am new and i need to post a question; how do i do that? help I am lost lol

New topic button at top of thread listing, left-hand side.
 
Ohh, just forgot to distribute r I think, I get approx 29 m/s now, thanks! The tans are from multiplying out terms with sin and cos in them, I was just simplifying.
 
thanks very much!
 
sorry again but i don't see that "new topic" option
 
Click https://www.physicsforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=153
to go to the introductory physics thread list. On that page, near the top, but below the advertisement and just above the "threads in forum introductory physics" you should see a "NEW TOPIC" button.
 

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