A 834 kg automobile is moving at a maximum speed of 33 m/s on a level circular track of radius 362 m. What is the coefficient of friction?

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**Problem Statement: Calculating the Coefficient of Friction**

An 834 kg automobile is moving at a maximum speed of 33 m/s on a level circular track with a radius of 362 m. What is the coefficient of friction? 

**Explanation and Solution Approach:**

To find the coefficient of friction (\( \mu \)), we need to use the formula for centripetal force and the force of friction:

1. **Centripetal Force (\( F_c \)):**  
   - Formula: \( F_c = \frac{mv^2}{r} \)  
   - Where \( m \) is mass (834 kg), \( v \) is velocity (33 m/s), and \( r \) is radius (362 m).

2. **Force of Friction (\( F_f \)):**  
   - This force is also the centripetal force required to keep the automobile moving in a circle.
   - Formula: \( F_f = \mu mg \)  
   - Where \( \mu \) is the coefficient of friction, \( m \) is mass, and \( g \) is acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²).

3. **Equating the Forces:**  
   - Since the frictional force provides the necessary centripetal force for circular motion, \( \mu mg = \frac{mv^2}{r} \).

4. **Solve for \( \mu \):**  
   - Cancel out the mass \( m \) from the equation, and solve for \( \mu \).  
   - \( \mu = \frac{v^2}{rg} \).

By substituting the known values into the equation, we can determine the coefficient of friction required for the automobile to safely navigate the circular track.
Transcribed Image Text:**Problem Statement: Calculating the Coefficient of Friction** An 834 kg automobile is moving at a maximum speed of 33 m/s on a level circular track with a radius of 362 m. What is the coefficient of friction? **Explanation and Solution Approach:** To find the coefficient of friction (\( \mu \)), we need to use the formula for centripetal force and the force of friction: 1. **Centripetal Force (\( F_c \)):** - Formula: \( F_c = \frac{mv^2}{r} \) - Where \( m \) is mass (834 kg), \( v \) is velocity (33 m/s), and \( r \) is radius (362 m). 2. **Force of Friction (\( F_f \)):** - This force is also the centripetal force required to keep the automobile moving in a circle. - Formula: \( F_f = \mu mg \) - Where \( \mu \) is the coefficient of friction, \( m \) is mass, and \( g \) is acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²). 3. **Equating the Forces:** - Since the frictional force provides the necessary centripetal force for circular motion, \( \mu mg = \frac{mv^2}{r} \). 4. **Solve for \( \mu \):** - Cancel out the mass \( m \) from the equation, and solve for \( \mu \). - \( \mu = \frac{v^2}{rg} \). By substituting the known values into the equation, we can determine the coefficient of friction required for the automobile to safely navigate the circular track.
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