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

2509 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the minimum frequency of electromagnetic radiation needed for a photon to ionise an atom of sodium? ( An atom of sodium has an ionisation energy of 5.15 eV.)


What happens to ice when energy is supplied at a constant rate in terms of the changes in energy of the molecules?


If a 10N tension force is exerted on a steel beam (E = 200 GPa) with cross-sectional area 1cm^2, what is the stress acting on the beam? What is the change in length of the beam, if the beam is 10cm long?


An ideal gas undergoes a transformation in which both its pressure and volume double. How many times does the root mean square speed of the gas molecules increase?


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