A car approaches the top of a hill that is shaped like a vertical circle with a radius of 59.5 m. What is the fastest speed that the car can go over the hill without losing contact with the ground? m/s

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Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1CQ: Estimate the order of magnitude of the length, in meters, of each of the following; (a) a mouse, (b)...
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**Problem:**

*A car approaches the top of a hill that is shaped like a vertical circle with a radius of 59.5 m. What is the fastest speed that the car can go over the hill without losing contact with the ground?*

___

**Solution:**

To solve this problem, we must determine the maximum speed at which a car can maintain contact with the ground at the top of a hill. This can be achieved by ensuring that the gravitational force is equal to the centripetal force required to keep the car on a circular path.

**Formula:**

The condition for the car to just stay in contact with the surface at the top of the hill is:
\[
mg = \frac{mv^2}{r}
\]
Where:
- \( m \) is the mass of the car,
- \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity (\(9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2\)),
- \( v \) is the speed of the car,
- \( r \) is the radius of the circular hill.

**Solving for \( v \):**
\[
v = \sqrt{rg}
\]

**Given:**
\( r = 59.5 \, \text{m} \)

Substitute the values:
\[
v = \sqrt{59.5 \times 9.8} = \sqrt{583.1} \approx 24.14 \, \text{m/s}
\]

Therefore, the fastest speed the car can go over the hill without losing contact with the ground is approximately \(24.14 \, \text{m/s}\).
Transcribed Image Text:**Problem:** *A car approaches the top of a hill that is shaped like a vertical circle with a radius of 59.5 m. What is the fastest speed that the car can go over the hill without losing contact with the ground?* ___ **Solution:** To solve this problem, we must determine the maximum speed at which a car can maintain contact with the ground at the top of a hill. This can be achieved by ensuring that the gravitational force is equal to the centripetal force required to keep the car on a circular path. **Formula:** The condition for the car to just stay in contact with the surface at the top of the hill is: \[ mg = \frac{mv^2}{r} \] Where: - \( m \) is the mass of the car, - \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity (\(9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2\)), - \( v \) is the speed of the car, - \( r \) is the radius of the circular hill. **Solving for \( v \):** \[ v = \sqrt{rg} \] **Given:** \( r = 59.5 \, \text{m} \) Substitute the values: \[ v = \sqrt{59.5 \times 9.8} = \sqrt{583.1} \approx 24.14 \, \text{m/s} \] Therefore, the fastest speed the car can go over the hill without losing contact with the ground is approximately \(24.14 \, \text{m/s}\).
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