What is the maximum attainable speed for the car?

In summary, the conversation discusses a new car design that includes a large flywheel to store kinetic energy. The flywheel has a mass of 370 kg and can rotate up to 200 revolutions per second. The question is asked about the maximum attainable speed of the car if all the stored energy is transferred to its linear velocity. The equations used for calculating kinetic energy and circumference are mentioned, and a discrepancy in the calculation is pointed out. The correct formula for calculating kinetic energy for a flywheel and car is also mentioned.
  • #1
Perseverence
88
7

Homework Statement


P62 Sterling. #11
A new design for a car is to have a large disc like flywheel within the car storing kinetic energy. The flywheel has a mass of 370 kg witha radius of 0.5 meters and can rotate up to 200 revolutions a second. Assuming all of this store kinetic energy can be transferred to the linear velocity of the 1500 kg car what is the maximum attainable speed of the car?

Homework Equations


KE=(mv^2)*1/2

The Attempt at a Solution


I calculated the circumference of the wheel to be 3.14 m. If there are 200 revolutions per second then the wheel travels 628 m/s ( velocity of the wheel) . Using KE=(mv^2)*1/2, the kinetic energy is 7.3*(10^7)joules for the wheel.
Is the amount of energy that should be transferred to the 1500 kg car. 7.3*(10^7)joules = 1500(v^2 )*1/2. But the answer for velocity (4.7 *10^5)m/s I get is incorrect. It seems like this should work but it does not it seems like this should work but it does not. Why not?
 
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  • #2
Your circumference calc is off by 10.
 
  • #3
magoo said:
Your circumference calc is off by 10.
Im sorry. The correct circumference in the problem is 0.5 m. So circumference calculation is correct. But the answer isn't off by a degree of 10 anyway :-(
 
  • #4
The energy stored in a flywheel is I ω*2 / 2 and the moment of inertia of a disk is m R^2 / 2 and of course the kinetic energy of the car moving down the highway is M v^2 / 2.
 
  • #5
Dr Dr news said:
The energy stored in a flywheel is I ω*2 / 2 and the moment of inertia of a disk is m R^2 / 2 and of course the kinetic energy of the car moving down the highway is M v^2 / 2.
Thank you. Liner kinetic energy needs to be calculated completely differently than rotational kinetic energy. Lol.
 

1. What factors determine the maximum attainable speed for a car?

The maximum attainable speed for a car is determined by a variety of factors, including the engine power, weight of the car, aerodynamics, and road conditions. Other factors such as tires, transmission, and gearing also play a role in determining the top speed of a car.

2. How is the maximum attainable speed for a car calculated?

The maximum attainable speed for a car can be calculated using the power-to-weight ratio, which is the amount of power the engine produces divided by the weight of the car. This calculation takes into account the various factors that influence a car's top speed.

3. Is there a limit to how fast a car can go?

Yes, there is a limit to how fast a car can go. This is determined by the laws of physics, specifically the force of air resistance and the ability of the car's tires to maintain traction with the road. Additionally, many countries have speed limits in place to ensure safety on the roads.

4. Can modifications increase a car's maximum attainable speed?

Yes, modifications such as adding a turbocharger or improving the aerodynamics of a car can increase its maximum attainable speed. However, these modifications should be done carefully and within legal limits to ensure the safety of the driver and others on the road.

5. What is the fastest speed ever achieved by a car?

The current record for the fastest speed ever achieved by a car is 277.9 miles per hour, or 447.2 kilometers per hour. This record was set in 2017 by the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+. However, this is not the absolute maximum attainable speed for a car, as it is limited by safety considerations and the technology of the car.

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