A car of mass M and a maximum power output of P is on an rough inclined plane Θ to the horizontal. What is the maximum velocity (v). Coefficient of friction=μ and air resistance=kv where k is constant

At the maximum velocity the driving force of the car is equal to the sum of the opposing forces: Fdriving=Ffriction+Fair+mgsinΘ Ffriction=mgμcosΘ Fair=kv p=[mgμcosΘ+ kv+mgsinΘ]v = [μcosΘ+sinΘ]mgv+kv2 kv2+[μcosΘ+sinΘ]mgv-p=0 solve using the quadratic equation: v= -[μcosΘ+sinΘ]mg ± [ ([μcosΘ+sinΘ]mg)2+4kp]1/2 . 2k We only want the positive root as, the direction of velocity is up the incline therefore: v= -[μcosΘ+sinΘ]mg + [ ([μcosΘ+sinΘ]mg)2+4kp]1/2 . 2k

JB
Answered by Joel B. Physics tutor

2319 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Difference between compression ignition engine and a spark ignition engine


Describe and explain the photoelectric effect (6 marks)


A ball of mass 0.7 kg strikes the wall at an angle of 90 degrees with speed 72 km/h. Consider that the bounce lasts for 0.1 s and is perfectly elastic. What is the magnitude of the average reaction force from the wall that acts on the ball?


Do heavy things fall faster than small things?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning