What is the centripetal force acting on a truck going around a circular path?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the centripetal force acting on a truck moving in a circular path, with specific parameters such as mass, speed, and radius provided. The subject area includes concepts of circular motion and forces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various equations for centripetal force, with some questioning the appropriate use of terms like speed versus velocity. There are attempts to clarify the relationship between centripetal force and the forces acting on the truck, including friction.

Discussion Status

Participants have offered guidance on unit conversions and the interpretation of terms. There is an ongoing exploration of the nature of centripetal force and its relationship to other forces, with multiple interpretations being discussed.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the importance of using standard units for calculations, and there is a discussion about the definitions and existence of centripetal force versus centrifugal force, indicating a need for clarity on these concepts.

physics(L)10
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Homework Statement


A truck with a mass of 20000kg goes around a circular path with a speed of 50km/hr. If the radius is 105m. Calculate the centripetal force acting on the car.


Homework Equations


This is why I can't get the answer to this question. I don't know which equation to use. I'm thinking its Fc=4pi^2mrf^2, but I don't know the frequency and speed isn't in the equation so it's probably not the right equation.


The Attempt at a Solution



Fc= 4pi^2(20000)(105)f^2
 
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See: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/cf.html"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
So the answer would be F=(20000)(50^2/105)?
 
Oh wait, it says velocity, not speed. How would you findd that then?
 
speed refers to the magnitude of the velocity. SInce the problem requires you to find the MAGNITUDE of centripedal acceleration, the speed would be fine.
 
physics(L)10 said:
So the answer would be F=(20000)(50^2/105)?
Careful with units. Standard units for speed would be m/s, not km/hr.
 
Alright, thanks a lot for your help guys :)

Final answer:
F=(20000)([50x1000/60/60)^2]/105)
 
The centre of the circular path exerts this centripetal force, correct?
 
physics(L)10 said:
The centre of the circular path exerts this centripetal force, correct?

No. CPF itself doesn't have an existence. It comes into existence when a uniform circular motion takes place so as to balance the centrifugal force. It is always directed towards the centre though.
 
  • #10
physics(L)10 said:
The centre of the circular path exerts this centripetal force, correct?
No, it's the friction that exerts the centripetal force. That force points toward the center though.

RoughRoad said:
CPF itself doesn't have an existence.
Sure it does. (Assuming by CPF you mean centripetal force.)
It comes into existence when a uniform circular motion takes place so as to balance the centrifugal force.
There's no need to mention centrifugal force (which is a fictitious force), unless you are analyzing things from a non-inertial frame.
 
  • #11
Doc Al said:
No, it's the friction that exerts the centripetal force. That force points toward the center though.


Sure it does. (Assuming by CPF you mean centripetal force.)

There's no need to mention centrifugal force (which is a fictitious force), unless you are analyzing things from a non-inertial frame.

I know that CFF is a pseudo force but doesn't CPF arise because of this false force?
 
  • #12
RoughRoad said:
I know that CFF is a pseudo force but doesn't CPF arise because of this false force?
Pseudo forces only arise when applying Newton's laws in a non-inertial frame. Viewed from the usual inertial frame, centrifugal force never enters the picture. Something moving in a circle is centripetally accelerating; whatever force is causing that acceleration is labeled the centripetal force.
 

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