Math Is Fun Forum

Identity

Member

Registered: 2007-04-18

Posts: 934

Uniform Circular Motion

What is the smallest radius of an unbanked (flat) track around which a bicyclist can travel if her speed is 29 km/h and the coefficient of static friction between the tires and the track is 0.32?

This question should be simple, but I don't know how to do it! I've tried

but there is no m! I'm so confused...

thanks

JaneFairfax

Member

Registered: 2007-02-23

Posts: 6,868

Re: Uniform Circular Motion

The centripetal force is provided entirely by friction so

By the way, don’t forget to convert the km h[sup]−1[/sup] to m s[sup]−1[/sup].

Identity

Member

Registered: 2007-04-18

Posts: 934

Re: Uniform Circular Motion

Thankyou Jane! The m's cancel!