AP Physics 1 Exam Question

Question:

A car travels around a curved track of radius 50 meters. The car has a mass of 1000 kg and is moving at a constant speed of 30 m/s. The wheels of the car exert a frictional force of 500 N on the road. Calculate the centripetal force acting on the car as it rounds the curved track. Assume the car is not banking and neglect air resistance.

Answer:

To solve this problem, we will use the concept of centripetal force, which is the force required to keep an object moving in a circular path.

The formula for centripetal force is given by:

F_c = (m * v^2) / r

where: F_c = centripetal force m = mass of the object v = velocity of the object r = radius of the circular path

Given: m = 1000 kg v = 30 m/s r = 50 m

Substituting the given values into the formula, we have:

F_c = (1000 kg * (30 m/s)^2) / 50 m

Simplifying the equation further:

F_c = (1000 kg * 900 m^2/s^2) / 50 m

F_c = 18000 N

Therefore, the centripetal force acting on the car as it rounds the curved track is 18000 N.

Please note that the frictional force provided by the wheels of the car (500 N) is not the centripetal force. Although the frictional force helps in providing the necessary centripetal force, it is not the centripetal force itself.