Scenario A dump truck is making a very fast left turn
as shown. In the back are two blocks of ice,
one mass M and one mass m (M> m).
The truck does not roll over.
Using Representations
PART A: Sketch the paths that the left and right mirrors
take during the turn.
PART B: Using two different colors, sketch the paths
that the two blocks of ice take during the turn.
Assume that friction between the bed of the truck
and the ice may be neglected.
Left Mirror
Right Mirror
Argumentation
PART C: Your friend, who is not in physics class, says the
blocks go to the outside of the truck because a
centrifugal force is acting on them. In a few brief
sentences, explain why your friend is incorrect.
Reference the diagram above in your answer.
PARTD: The truck then approaches another intersection
to make a turn. The truck can either make a left
turn or a right turn as shown in the diagram.
Assume that the truck approaches, makes the turn,
and continues in the new direction all without
changing speed.
The centripetal force for the turn is provided by
the force of static friction, which is determined
by the relationship F f = us Fy. In a few short
sentences, explain why the force of static friction,
and not kinetic friction, is exerted on the truck
even though the truck is in motion.