Resistive Forces
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AP Physics C: Mechanics › Resistive Forces
Based on the scenario, a $1200,\text{kg}$ car travels at constant $25,\text{m/s}$ on level road with rolling resistance $F_r=\mu mg$, $\mu=0.020$; find $F_r$.
$600,\text{N}$
$240,\text{N}$
$23.5,\text{N}$
$240,\text{kg}$
Explanation
This question tests understanding of resistive forces in translational dynamics, specifically calculating rolling resistance force for a vehicle on a level road. Resistive forces, such as rolling resistance, oppose the motion of objects and are proportional to the normal force, which equals weight on level ground. In this scenario, the car experiences rolling resistance calculated using F_r = μmg, where μ = 0.020, m = 1200 kg, and g = 9.8 m/s². Choice A is correct because it accurately calculates the resistive force: F_r = 0.020 × 1200 × 9.8 = 235.2 N, which rounds to 240 N. Choice D is incorrect because it has the wrong units (kg instead of N), showing confusion between mass and force concepts. To help students: Emphasize the difference between mass and force, practice identifying when normal force equals weight, and reinforce proper unit analysis throughout calculations.
Considering the conditions described, a $90,\text{kg}$ cyclist rides at $v=8.0,\text{m/s}$ with air drag $F_d=kv^2$, $k=0.25$; what is the resistive force magnitude?
$16,\text{N}$
$0.031,\text{N}$
$2.0,\text{N}$
$64,\text{N}$
Explanation
This question tests understanding of resistive forces in translational dynamics, specifically calculating air drag on a cyclist using the quadratic drag equation. Resistive forces, such as air drag, oppose the motion of cyclists and are proportional to velocity squared, becoming significant factors in cycling performance. In this scenario, the cyclist experiences drag force calculated using F_d = kv², where k = 0.25 N·s²/m² and v = 8.0 m/s. Choice B is correct because it accurately calculates the resistive force: F_d = 0.25 × (8.0)² = 0.25 × 64 = 16 N, demonstrating proper application of the drag equation. Choice C is incorrect because it appears to divide k by v² instead of multiplying, showing confusion about the mathematical relationship. To help students: Emphasize the multiplicative nature of the drag coefficient, practice substituting values systematically, and relate calculations to real-world cycling experiences where doubling speed quadruples air resistance.
Based on the scenario, a $1500,\text{kg}$ car moves at constant $30,\text{m/s}$ with rolling resistance $F_r=\mu mg$, $\mu=0.015$; determine energy lost to resistance in $10,\text{s}$.
$2.2\times10^4,\text{J}$
$6.6\times10^4,\text{J}$
$6.6\times10^4,\text{W}$
$2.2\times10^3,\text{J}$
Explanation
This question tests understanding of resistive forces in translational dynamics, specifically calculating energy dissipated by rolling resistance over time. Resistive forces, such as rolling resistance, oppose motion and continuously convert kinetic energy into thermal energy, requiring work to maintain constant speed. In this scenario, the car maintains constant velocity, so engine work equals energy lost to resistance: W = F_r × d = μmg × vt = 0.015 × 1500 × 9.8 × 30 × 10. Choice A is correct because it accurately calculates energy lost: W = 220.5 × 300 = 66,150 J ≈ 6.6×10⁴ J, demonstrating understanding of work-energy relationships. Choice D is incorrect because it has wrong units (W instead of J), confusing power with energy, a common dimensional analysis error. To help students: Emphasize the relationship between work, force, and displacement, practice calculating energy dissipation over time, and reinforce proper unit analysis for energy versus power.
Considering the conditions described, a $75,\text{kg}$ skydiver has drag $F_d=kv^2$ with $k=0.80,\text{N,s}^2/\text{m}^2$; calculate terminal velocity.
$96,\text{m/s}$
$9.8,\text{m/s}$
$30,\text{m/s}$
$15,\text{m/s}$
Explanation
This question tests understanding of resistive forces in translational dynamics, specifically determining terminal velocity when drag force equals gravitational force. Resistive forces, such as drag or friction, oppose the motion of objects and at terminal velocity, the net force becomes zero as drag balances weight. In this scenario, the skydiver reaches terminal velocity when F_d = mg, so kv² = mg, giving v = √(mg/k) = √(75 × 9.8 / 0.80). Choice A is correct because it accurately calculates terminal velocity: v = √(735/0.80) = √(918.75) ≈ 30.3 m/s, which rounds to 30 m/s. Choice B is incorrect because it appears to use an incorrect formula or calculation method, possibly confusing the relationship between forces at terminal velocity. To help students: Emphasize the equilibrium condition at terminal velocity, practice setting up force balance equations, and ensure proper algebraic manipulation when solving for velocity from quadratic relationships.
Based on the scenario, a $70,\text{kg}$ skydiver falls at $v=50,\text{m/s}$ with drag $F_d=kv^2$, $k=0.60,\text{N,s}^2/\text{m}^2$; what is $F_d$?
$0.024,\text{N}$
$1500,\text{N}$
$343,\text{N}$
$30,\text{N}$
Explanation
This question tests understanding of resistive forces in translational dynamics, specifically calculating drag force using the quadratic drag equation. Resistive forces, such as drag or friction, oppose the motion of objects and are often proportional to velocity or velocity squared, affecting acceleration and energy. In this scenario, the skydiver experiences a drag force calculated using F_d = kv², where k = 0.60 N·s²/m² and v = 50 m/s. Choice B is correct because it accurately calculates the resistive force: F_d = 0.60 × (50)² = 0.60 × 2500 = 1500 N, demonstrating the student's understanding of quadratic drag relationships. Choice C is incorrect because it appears to divide k by v² instead of multiplying, a common error when students misunderstand the drag equation. To help students: Emphasize the quadratic nature of air resistance at high speeds, practice substituting values carefully with proper units, and reinforce that drag force increases dramatically with velocity squared.
Based on the scenario, a $600,\text{kg}$ boat has drag $F_d=kv^2$ with $k=100,\text{N,s}^2/\text{m}^2$; calculate terminal speed if engine thrust is constant $1600,\text{N}$.
$2.7,\text{m/s}$
$16,\text{m/s}$
$40,\text{m/s}$
$4.0,\text{m/s}$
Explanation
This question tests understanding of resistive forces in translational dynamics, specifically finding terminal velocity when thrust balances drag force. Resistive forces, such as water drag, oppose motion and at terminal speed, the propulsive thrust exactly balances the drag force for zero acceleration. In this scenario, the boat reaches terminal speed when thrust equals drag: 1600 = kv², so v = √(1600/k) = √(1600/100) = √16 = 4.0 m/s. Choice A is correct because it accurately calculates terminal speed using the force balance equation, demonstrating understanding of equilibrium conditions. Choice C is incorrect because it appears to use v = √(F×k) instead of v = √(F/k), a common algebraic manipulation error. To help students: Emphasize setting up equilibrium equations correctly, practice algebraic manipulation of quadratic relationships, and verify units throughout the calculation process.