A 1200kg car travels at a constant speed of 12 m/s around a horizontal, circular track with a radius of 45m. What is the magnitude of the centripetal for
Ac = v^2/r
F = m Ac = 1200 * 144/45
The centripetal force is the force that keeps an object moving in a circular path. It is directed towards the center of the circle and its magnitude can be calculated using the formula:
F = (m * v^2) / r
Where:
F is the magnitude of the centripetal force
m is the mass of the object
v is the velocity of the object
r is the radius of the circular path
In this case, the mass of the car is given as 1200kg, the velocity is 12 m/s, and the radius is 45m.
Plugging these values into the formula, we get:
F = (1200 kg * (12 m/s)^2) / 45 m
Calculating the values inside the parenthesis:
F = (1200 kg * 144 m^2/s^2) / 45 m
F = (172800 kg * m^2/s^2) / 45 m
The units of meters (m) cancel out, leaving us with:
F = 172800 kg * m/s^2 / 45
F = 3840 kg * m/s^2
So, the magnitude of the centripetal force acting on the car is 3840 kg * m/s^2.