Question

A stock car race is held on a circular track that is approximately 2.2 km long, and the turns are banked at an angle of 15.4°. It is currently possible for cars to travel through the turns at a speed of about 51.85664 m/s. Assuming that these cars are on the verge of slipping into the wall of the race track (since they are racing!), find the coefficient of static friction between the tires and the track.

Answer 1

The coefficient of static friction between the tires and the track is approximately 0.267.

Step-by-step explanation:

The coefficient of static friction between the tires and the track can be calculated using the formula:

μs = tan( θ )

where μs is the coefficient of static friction and θ is the angle of banking.

Substituting the given value of θ (15.4°), we can calculate:

μs = tan( 15.4° )

μs = 0.267

Therefore, the coefficient of static friction between the tires and the track is approximately 0.267.