The optimal banking angle for a 730 kg car traveling at 90 km/h on a 170 m curve is calculated to ensure that the only force acting between the pavement and the tires is the normal reaction force. Using the formula for banking angle, θ = arctan(v²/(rg)), where v is the velocity, r is the radius, and g is the acceleration due to gravity, the angle can be determined. For this scenario, the banking angle is approximately 22.6 degrees, allowing for optimal cornering without reliance on friction.
PREREQUISITESPhysics students, automotive engineers, and anyone interested in the dynamics of vehicles navigating curves will benefit from this discussion.