Final answer:
The coefficient of friction between the car and the road is found to be 0.45 when considering that the force of friction and forward force are equal and opposite at constant speed, and using the car's weight as the normal force.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the coefficient of friction between the car and the road when a car with a weight of 2500 N drives at a constant speed with a forward force of 1125 N, we can use the relationship between the force of friction and the normal force. The force of friction (f_friction) is equal to the coefficient of friction (μ) multiplied by the normal force (N). Since the car is moving at a constant speed, the force of friction must be equal and opposite to the forward force, according to Newton's First Law of Motion. Thus f_friction = 1125 N.
Given that the weight of the car represents the normal force (since weight = mass x gravity, and the normal force is the force perpendicular to the surface, which is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the weight when the car is on a flat surface), we have N = 2500 N. Therefore, the coefficient of friction is calculated as μ = f_friction / N = 1125 N / 2500 N = 0.45.
The answer is B) 0.45, which is a typical value for the coefficient of friction between car tires and many road surfaces, indicating a moderate level of friction that allows the car to maintain its motion without slipping.