Name: Hieu Nguyen

Lab 5 Centripetal
Mr. Bentz Lab Class
Lecturer: Mr. Hurd
Date: Nov 14th 2009

Centripetal Lab

Abstract: The purpose of this lab is to investigate the maximum

possible speed that a car can round a turn using a specific example.

Introduction / Materials and Methods:

Equipment: Car, measuring tape/
1. Watch a video of the instructor. Do not do it yourself.
2. Accelerate the car to a given speed.
3. Slam on the break at a specific point.
4. Measure the distance to stop.
5. Determine the radius of the turn that we wish to round.
6. Base on the coefficient of friction and centripetal acceleration,
determine the maximum possible speed in miles per hour to take the
turn without slipping.

Data:
Car: Toyota 4 Runner tight turn off road.
Its maximum speed is at 23 miles per hour.
Distance required to stop was 10.7 meters.

Radius of the turn was 13 meters.

Calculations:

FN

FC

FFR

FG

Based on the data given:

23 mph = 23 x 1.6 = 36.8 (km/h) = 10.2 (m/s).
Use the third formula in projectile motion equations:
v 2 v 0 2 2ax
0 (10.2) 2 2 a (10.7)
a

10.2 2
4.86(m /s2 )
2 10.7

So the acceleration is -4.86 (m/s2).

We have in this case:

a g
a 4.86

0.5
g 9.8

In order for the driver to round a turn without slipping, the force of
friction must equal to the force of centripetal at least, it means:
FFR FC
mv 2
r
mv 2
mg
r
mgr
v
7.98(m /s) 18.139(mph)
m

FN

Discussion:

First of all, letting the car rounding a turn then measure the stopping
distance, maximum speed, all of that leads to the results of the speed
that is maximum before slipping was the experiment.

Discussion Questions:
1. What application might calculations such as this lab have?
This lab might have applications in calculating the maximum speed,
therefore recommendations while rounding a turn is given out. Or the
carmakers could change the materials of the tires, the mass to make the
best turn without slipping.
2. How does each of the following affect your possibility of rounding a
turn without sliding? A. Radius of the turn B. Speed of the turn

Radius of the turn: The bigger the radius is, the speed is increased.
The speed: If the speed makes the force of F = ma greater than the force
of friction, then the car slips.
3. Which is the most important factor in making sure that you take a
turn successfully and why?
The coefficient between the tires and the pavement plus the speed of
the car is very important. This two affect the most in the cars x
direction movement, not the vertical direction.

4. Why do you think the experiment was conducted on dirt rather than
pavement?
On dirt, when the car accidentally slips it is less dangerous than in
pavement. And the slippery shows better than on pavement.