A slow prey animal may be able to escape from a fast predator if the prey is
Question:
A slow prey animal may be able to escape from a fast predator if the prey is sufficiently nimble and is able to turn with a tight radius.
a) If an animal with mass m is running with a speed v on the ground where the coefficient of static friction between the animal’s hooves and the ground is μs, derive an expression for the minimum turning radius R for that animal, assuming it maintains a constant speed throughout the turn.
b) A lioness with mass m 2 = 120 kg is running with a speed of v 2 = 15 m/s and is just about to catch a warthog with mass m 1 = 80 kg running with a speed of v 1 = 10 m/s. As an evasive maneuver, the warthog executes his tightest possible 180° turn with a radius R 1 while maintaining his speed v 1 , and then continues to run in a straight line at speed v 1 . The lioness attempts her tightest possible 180° turn with a radius R2 at a speed of v 2 and then continues to run in a straight line at speed v 2 . If both animals have a coefficient of static friction of μs = 0.5 between their feet and the ground, what are the radii R 1 and R 2 ?
Expert Answer:
When the animal is taking a turn it experiences two forces one centripetal force which is pulli... View the full answer
