What Limits a Car's Acceleration at Zero Velocity?

[fk378]

Homework Statement

For a car starting at velocity=0 m/s, what would limit the acceleration in the first fraction of a second? (It's isn't the power of the engine) Use the fact that the force acceleration the car is the power over the velocity minus the air resistance force. The drag coefficient is 1.

Homework Equations

a=(P/v)-(.5Av^2)

where A=cross sectional area

The Attempt at a Solution

All I can see is that if v=0, then the first term for the acceleration approaches infinity. But in the question it says it doesn't have to do with the power.

 

[asleight]

Homework Statement

For a car starting at velocity=0 m/s, what would limit the acceleration in the first fraction of a second? (It's isn't the power of the engine) Use the fact that the force acceleration the car is the power over the velocity minus the air resistance force.

Homework Equations

a=(P/v)-(.5Av^2)

where A=cross sectional area

The Attempt at a Solution

All I can see is that if v=0, then the first term for the acceleration approaches infinity. But in the question it says it doesn't have to do with the power.

The coefficient of static friction acts upon the wheels of the car in the first fraction of a second--it'll limit the acceleration.

 

[fk378]

I forgot to add in the part that the drag coefficient=1

Is your answer still right?

 

[asleight]

I forgot to add in the part that the drag coefficient=1

Is your answer still right?

What's your question? If it's asking what forces limit the maximum acceleration during the first second, then yes, I think I'm correct.