What Is the Minimal Speed for a Car on a Banked Road?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the minimal speed required for a car to navigate a banked road without losing traction. The problem involves concepts from dynamics, specifically centripetal motion and forces acting on an object in circular motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the minimal speed from a given equation related to forces on a banked curve but expresses confusion regarding the visual representation and implications of the equation. Other participants question the validity of the approach and the results obtained, with one participant suggesting a relationship between centripetal force and the normal force.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between forces, but there is no consensus on the correct approach or solution. The original poster continues to seek clarification on the minimal speed.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of specific values for maximum speed and confusion regarding the expected results, indicating potential constraints in the problem setup or assumptions made during calculations.

Skynt
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Basically, we were told that from (mv^2/r)(cos [tex]\theta[/tex]) = [tex]\mu[/tex][(mv^2)/r) sin [tex]\theta[/tex] + (mg cos [tex]\theta[/tex])] + mg sin[tex]\theta[/tex]

you could rearrange for the max speed of a car going in a circular path on a banked road at a [tex]\theta[/tex] angle. From that equation above, I derived v max, but now I need to get v minimal. I really don't even understand the visual concept of the equation above - I drew a free-body diagram but I still don't understand it.

Could someone help me figure out the minimal speed the car has to go without falling off?

Also in the equation, he substituted a variable N for normal force with the equation in the bracket. So it's basically

(mv^2/r)(cos [tex]\theta[/tex]) = [[tex]\mu[/tex]N + (mg cos [tex]\theta[/tex])] + mg sin[tex]\theta[/tex]
 
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Can anyone help me with this?
 
Well, it's been a few days, so... *BUMP* :)

I can't get credit for the answer, but I am still curious as to what it is.
 
I think it's the speed of the car, which will provide a centripetal force, which is equal in magnitude to the x component of the normal/support force.

:)
 
No, I don't think that works. I'm suppose to get the result 8. something
But instead I get 44 with that solution.
The max speed was 16.1 m/s, which means the minimal speed needs to be under that.
 

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