Question

Consider a large truck carrying a heavy load, such as steel beams. A significant hazard for the driver is that the load may slide forward, crushing the cab, if the truck stops suddenly in an accident or even in braking. Assume, for example, that a 10,000 kg load sits on the flat bed of a 25,000 kg truck moving at 14.0 m/s. Assume that the load is not tied down to the truck, but has a coefficient of friction of 0.400 with the flat bed of the truck.Calculate the minimum stopping distance for the truck for which the load will not slide forward relative to the truck.

Answer 1

To calculate the minimum stopping distance for the truck for which the load will not slide forward relative to the truck, you need to analyze the forces acting on the load.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the minimum stopping distance for the truck for which the load will not slide forward relative to the truck, we need to analyze the forces acting on the load. The maximum force of static friction between the load and the truck bed can be calculated using the equation:

Fstatic friction = μFnormal

where μ is the coefficient of friction and Fnormal is the normal force. In this case, Fnormal is equal to the weight of the load:

Fnormal = mg

Once we have the maximum force of static friction, we can use the following equation to calculate the minimum stopping distance:

d = (v2) / (2a)

where d is the stopping distance, v is the initial velocity, and a is the acceleration. In this case, the acceleration can be calculated as:

a = Fstatic friction / (m + M)

Substituting the known values into the equations will give you the minimum stopping distance for the truck.