A Honda Hawk motorcycle and its rider with a combined mass of 450 kg travels around a curve of radius 106 m with a speed of 18 m/s. Calculate the coefficient of static friction of the pavement if they negotiate the curve without skidding. the normal force is 4410.

Answer: coefficient of static friction

= 0.31

Explanation: Since they negotiate the curve without skidding, the frictional force (F1) equals the centripetal force (F2).

F1 = uN

F2 = M * (v²/r)

M is the combined mass 450kg

V is the velocity 18m/s

r is the radius 106m

N is the normal reaction 4410N

u is the coefficient of static friction

Making u subject of the formula we have that,

u = {450 * (18²/106) } / 4410

=1375.47/4410

=0.31

NOTE: coefficient of friction is dimensionless. It as no Unit.