/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 44 During an Olympic bobsled run, t... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

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During an Olympic bobsled run, the Jamaican team makes a turn of radius \(7.6 \mathrm{~m}\) at a speed of \(96.6 \mathrm{~km} / \mathrm{h} .\) What is their acceleration in terms of \(g ?\)

Short Answer

Expert verified
The acceleration of the Jamaican bobsled team is approximately 3.2g.

Step by step solution

01

Convert Speed to Meters per Second

First, we need to convert the speed from kilometers per hour (km/h) to meters per second (m/s). The formula for conversion is: \(1 \text{ km/h} = \frac{1}{3.6} \text{ m/s}\). Thus, \(96.6 \text{ km/h} = \frac{96.6}{3.6} \text{ m/s}\).
02

Calculate the Centripetal Acceleration

The centripetal acceleration \(a_c\) is given by the formula \(a_c = \frac{v^2}{r}\), where \(v\) is the velocity in meters per second and \(r\) is the radius in meters. Use the converted speed from Step 1 and the given radius of \(7.6\) meters.
03

Express the Acceleration in Terms of g

To express the acceleration in terms of \(g\), divide the centripetal acceleration by \(9.8\,\text{m/s}^2\) (since \(1\,g = 9.8\,\text{m/s}^2\)). Thus, \(a_g = \frac{a_c}{9.8}\).
04

Final Calculation and Answer

Substitute the known values and perform the calculations to find the centripetal acceleration and then express it in terms of \(g\). Perform the division and round off to a sensible number of significant digits.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Physics Problem Solving
Physics problem-solving can seem daunting, but it becomes easier when broken down into logical steps. When tackling a problem, the first step is understanding what is being asked. In the given problem, we need to find the acceleration experienced by a bobsled team taking a turn, expressed in terms of gravity (g). This involves both converting units and applying the right formulas.
To solve physics problems:
  • Identify the quantities given in the problem and what you need to find.
  • Determine the necessary formulas, in this case, for centripetal acceleration and unit conversion.
  • Solve in steps to prevent mistakes, verifying units and calculations at each step.
Approaching problems with a clear method makes them more manageable and builds confidence in your physics skills.
Unit Conversion
Unit conversion is a crucial skill in physics, as different problems may present units in different scales. In our exercise, the speed was given in kilometers per hour (km/h) but needed to be converted to meters per second (m/s) for calculation purposes.
The conversion between these two units can be easily handled using the conversion factor:
  • 1 km/h = \(\frac{1}{3.6}\) m/s.
So to convert 96.6 km/h to m/s, you divide 96.6 by 3.6. This step ensures that all units are consistent with standard physics equations, such as those calculating acceleration or force. Remembering to double-check your converted values will help avoid errors in the remaining calculations.
Acceleration due to Gravity
Acceleration due to gravity, commonly denoted as \(g\), is a key concept in physics. It refers to the acceleration of an object caused by Earth's gravitational pull, which is approximately \(9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2\).In problems involving centripetal force or acceleration like this one, expressing results in terms of \(g\) can provide a better intuitive understanding of the magnitude of the forces involved.
To express an acceleration in terms of \(g\):
  • Calculate the actual acceleration (in this case, centripetal acceleration).
  • Divide this value by \(9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2\) to convert it to a multiple of \(g\).
This step is particularly useful because it gives a sense of how the calculated acceleration compares to the familiar acceleration due to gravity, aiding our grasp of the physical situation.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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