Centripetal Force Physics Example 2

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Example 2

hard
A car of mass 1000 kg1000 \text{ kg} rounds a curve of radius 50 m50 \text{ m}. If the maximum static friction force is 8000 N8000 \text{ N}, what is the maximum safe speed?

Solution

  1. 1
    The friction force provides centripetal force: fs=mv2rf_s = \frac{mv^2}{r}.
  2. 2
    Solve for maximum speed: vmax⁡=fs⋅rm=8000×501000v_{\max} = \sqrt{\frac{f_s \cdot r}{m}} = \sqrt{\frac{8000 \times 50}{1000}}
  3. 3
    vmax⁡=400=20 m/sv_{\max} = \sqrt{400} = 20 \text{ m/s}

Answer

vmax⁡=20 m/sv_{\max} = 20 \text{ m/s}
On a flat curve, friction provides the centripetal force. The maximum speed is limited by the available friction force; exceeding it causes the car to skid outward.

About Centripetal Force

The net inward force required to keep an object moving along a circular path, directed toward the centre of the circle, equal to mv2/rmv^2/r where.

Learn more about Centripetal Force →

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