Physics 2 — Momentum & Waves

Circular motion

continues from lesson 2 — values defined earlier in the course stay live here

Going in a circle at constant speed is still accelerating — the direction changes, and that takes a force pointed at the center: F = m·v²/r. Lose that force and you fly off on the tangent.

m_{car} := 1500 kg

= 1500 kg

v_{turn} := 19 m/s

= 19 m / s

r_{turn} := 50 m

= 50 m

F_{c} = \frac{m_{car} \cdot v_{turn}^{2}}{r_{turn}}

= 10830 N friction must supply this

✓ pass

F_{c} < 0.8 * m_{car} * 9.81 m/s^2

can dry-road friction (μ ≈ 0.8) hold the turn? (barely — try 20 m/s and watch it fail)