Centripetal Force: Why Static Friction is Used in Bank Curve Problems

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the use of the coefficient of static friction versus the coefficient of kinetic friction in bank curve problems within the context of physics. It explores the implications of friction types on the behavior of vehicles navigating banked curves.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why the coefficient of static friction is preferred over the coefficient of kinetic friction in bank curve problems.
  • Another participant notes that when wheels begin to slide sideways, the situation becomes more complex, suggesting that static friction maintains control when the wheel's contact point is not moving relative to the track.
  • A repeated point emphasizes the complications that arise when wheels slide, reinforcing the importance of the static condition for stability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to agree on the importance of static friction in maintaining control during bank curve scenarios, but the discussion does not resolve the initial question regarding the preference for static over kinetic friction.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not delve into the specific conditions under which static or kinetic friction applies, nor does it address any mathematical formulations that may clarify the differences in application.

oreo
Messages
81
Reaction score
2
Why do we use coefficient of static friction instead of coefficient of kinetic friction in bank curve problems
 
Physics news on Phys.org
When the wheels start sliding sideways things start getting complicated, and very exciting. When the part of the wheel in contact with the paved surface/track is not moving relative to the track (static case), things are under control.
 
Bystander said:
When the wheels start sliding sideways things start getting complicated, and very exciting. When the part of the wheel in contact with the paved surface/track is not moving relative to the track (static case), things are under control.[/QUOTE
 
Thanks for the clear answer.
 

Similar threads

High School Confusion while trying to build intuition of centripetal force
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
Undergrad How is static friction the centripetal force during a car turning?
  • · Replies 73 ·
3
Replies
73
Views
11K
Undergrad Why does friction play the role of centripetal force?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
5K
Undergrad Direction of friction of each wheel and total moment when a car turns
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Undergrad Question about friction in situation where interface slip occurs
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Origin of Centripetal force when the net force toward the center is 0?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
High School Are frictional forces action forces or reaction forces?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Undergrad If frictional force in system is <= us*N then there is no slipping
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Undergrad What happens when a car turns?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Undergrad Car on Banked Curve: Centripetal Force?
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
5K