Chapter 4: Problem 26
An 810 -kg compact car rounds a level curve at \(25 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s}\). A \(2430-\mathrm{kg}\) SUV rounds the same curve at \(12.5 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s}\). Compared with the car, the SUV's centripetal acceleration is (a) the same; (b) three times; (c) one-third; (d) one-half; (e) one-fourth.
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understand the Scenario
Recall the Formula for Centripetal Acceleration
Determine the Relationship of Frequencies
Calculate the Speed Ratio Squared
Simplify the Ratio
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Centripetal Acceleration
This change in direction constitutes acceleration because acceleration is not just about changing speed, but also about changing direction.
- The formula for centripetal acceleration is given by \( a_c = \frac{v^2}{r} \), where \( v \) is the speed of the object, and \( r \) is the radius of the circular path.
- This means that the centripetal acceleration increases with the square of the speed, but decreases as the radius of the circle increases.
Vehicle Dynamics
When vehicles round a curve, like in the exercise, they stay on the path due to the inward centripetal force. The handling of these vehicles differs due to their design, weight, and speed.
- A lighter vehicle, such as a compact car, might handle differently compared to a heavier SUV due to lower inertia.
- The speed at which these vehicles travel also affects their stability: higher speeds result in greater need for centripetal force to maintain the curve.
Formula Application
The exercise uses the formula for centripetal acceleration: \( a_c = \frac{v^2}{r} \). Here, both the compact car and the SUV drive around the same curve, giving them a common radius \( r \).
- Given that only the speed \( v \) varies, we can focus on \( v^2 \) to establish a comparison between the vehicles.
- By calculating \( v^2 \) for each vehicle and forming a ratio, as shown in the original solution, we can determine how their accelerations compare.
Physics Education
Breaking down physics exercises enhances comprehension by:
- Helping students recognize underlying principles, such as centripetal forces in vehicle dynamics.
- Developing a step-by-step problem-solving approach, which aids in complex problem scenarios in the future.
- Illustrating the importance of mathematical precision and unit consistency.