Uniform Circular Motion question

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a car in uniform circular motion and the forces acting on it while attempting to avoid a collision with a wall. The scenario includes calculating stopping distance and the radius of a circular path based on maximum frictional force.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Newton's second law to determine acceleration and stopping distance. They explore the relationship between centripetal force and circular motion, questioning how to derive the radius of the circular path while maintaining constant speed.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided calculations for the stopping distance and radius of the circular path, while others express uncertainty about the second part of the problem and seek further clarification. There is acknowledgment of correctness in the calculations presented, but no explicit consensus on the overall approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the maximum force exerted by the pavement and the mass of the car as key constraints in their calculations. The discussion also reflects on the assumptions made regarding the car's dimensions and the nature of the motion.

devilish_wit
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Homework Statement



While learning to drive, you are in a 1 320-kg car moving at 34.0 m/s across a large, vacant, level parking lot. Suddenly you realize you are heading straight toward a brick sidewall of a large supermarket and are in danger of running into it. The pavement can exert a maximum horizontal force of 6 300 N on the car.

(1) Suppose you apply the brakes and do not turn the steering wheel. Find the minimum distance you must be from the wall to avoid a collision.

(2) If you do not brake but instead maintain constant speed and turn the steering wheel, what is the minimum distance you must be from the wall to avoid a collision?

Homework Equations


F = ma

a = V^2 / r

The Attempt at a Solution



m = 1320 kg
v = 34 m/s
F = 6300 N

(1) F = ma
6300 N = 1320kg a ---> a = 6300 N/1320kg = 4.77 m/s^2

Vf^2 = Vi^2 x 2ad
0 = (34 m/s)^2 + (2)(4.77)d
(34m/s)^2 / 2(4.77m/s^2) = d ---> d = 121.17m (This answer is correct)

(2) a = v^2 / r...

I'm not sure how to answer this second question and where to start. Any ideas?
 
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Hi,
We know that the mass is 1320 kg
maximum force by pavement of car is 6300N
thus maximum retardation that we can produce is = F/m= 4.77 m/s^2
using v^2=u^2 + 2as with appropriate signs we get
34^2=2⋅(4.77).s
thus s=121.17 meters for the second part let's say that while turning you're following a circular trajectory with constant speed hence it is a classical case of uniform circular motion
the centripetal force which is provided by the friction, since that is due to rubbing between the two surfaces i must say that the pavement is " kind of providing" the "turning force" which means 6300=mv^2/R where R is the radius of circular trajectory and also the minimum distance for turning if we consider length of car negligible
thus 6300=1320.(34)^2/r or R= 1320.(34)^2/6300=242.2 meters
i hope you understood my solution, i may be wrong too all suggestions are accepted. thank you
 
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physics_pi_rate said:
Hi,
We know that the mass is 1320 kg
maximum force by pavement of car is 6300N
thus maximum retardation that we can produce is = F/m= 4.77 m/s^2
using v^2=u^2 + 2as with appropriate signs we get
34^2=2⋅(4.77).s
thus s=121.17 metersfor the second part let's say that while turning you're following a circular trajectory with constant speed hence it is a classical case of uniform circular motion
the centripetal force which is provided by the friction, since that is due to rubbing between the two surfaces i must say that the pavement is " kind of providing" the "turning force" which means 6300=mv^2/R where R is the radius of circular trajectory and also the minimum distance for turning if we consider length of car negligible
thus 6300=1320.(34)^2/r or R= 1320.(34)^2/6300=242.2 meters
i hope you understood my solution, i may be wrong too all suggestions are accepted. thank you

Yes it's correct! :)
 
devilish_wit said:
Yes it's correct! :)
I am glad i could be of help to you :)
 

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