Why Is My Calculated Centripetal Acceleration So High?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating centripetal acceleration for a car moving in a circular path with a radius of 25 meters and a velocity of 35 m/s. The initial confusion stems from using an incorrect formula, leading to an unrealistically high acceleration value of 5556.6. The correct formula for centripetal acceleration is velocity squared divided by radius, resulting in an acceleration of 49 m/s². Participants clarify the relationship between centripetal force and acceleration, emphasizing the need to ensure proper unit measurements. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the importance of using the correct equations and understanding their physical dimensions in physics calculations.
Onjikaruto
Messages
9
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


I am currently working a project that involves a car going around a circle. Right now, i am just simplifying it down to just the car and the circle (not including anything about the friction between the tires, or any other forces.) So it should be fairly straightfoward, but i don't understand why i am getting a rediculously large answer...

The Circle's radius is 25meters. At a given instance the car is traveling around the circle on the outmost side (25 meters) at a velocity of 35 m/s. The mass of the car is 1134kg, the weight is 2500lbs.

Homework Equations


i just used Centripedal Acceleration= Mass * Velocity Squared over
Radius Squared

The Attempt at a Solution


My problem is i keep getting 5556.6 as my acceleration. Thats seems wayyyy to large for an answer. Am i missing something?
Thanks
Andrew
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You are using the wrong formula, that's why. What is the formula for centripedal acceleration? (If you're wondering, you gave the centripedal force) Check your answer after you use the correct formula, thanks.
 
I thought centripedal acceleration is related in the same direction as the centripedal force. I am very unclear about this...
 
Calculate the physical dimension of your quantity. Is it the physical dimension of acceleration, for example m/s^2?
 
O_O the equation for centripal acceleration is Velcoity squared over radius...

How then does centripedal force relate to the car? which direction, and why is it soo large?
 
So large as what?
 
alright... i got the acceleration... its 49m/s^2

Now my question is, if i have a centripital force of 5556.6, what units should that be in... Newtons?
thanks
Andrew
 
What units does Newtons correspond to in the SI system?
 
Force is measured in a specific unit. Check the units that you used to come up with the force.
 
Back
Top