Question

A Ford Mustang can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a time of 5.8 s . A Mini Cooper isn't capable of such a rapid start, but it can turn in a very small circle 40 ft in diameter. Part A How fast would you need to drive the Mini Cooper in this tight circle to match the magnitude of the Mustang's acceleration?

Answer 1

17.4 ft/s ≈ 12 mph

Step-by-step explanation:

Convert mph to ft/s.

60 mph × (5280 ft/mi) × (1 hr / 3600 s) = 88 ft/s

Calculate the linear acceleration of the Mustang.

a = (v − v₀) / t

a = (88 ft/s − 0 ft/s) / 5.8 s

a = 15.2 ft/s²

Calculate tangential velocity of the Mini Cooper.

a = v² / r

15.2 ft/s² = v² / 20 ft

v = 17.4 ft/s

The velocity needed is 17.4 ft/s, or approximately 12 mph.