Friction guiding a car around a curve

In summary, friction plays a crucial role in causing circular motion in a car around a curve. This is because the force of friction must be opposite the car's motion and not towards the center of the curve. This means that friction cannot be considered the centripetal force. Additionally, there are two types of friction - kinetic and static. The contact patch on the bottom of the car's tires experiences static friction, which prevents slipping between the surfaces. The direction of static friction can vary depending on the car's motion, such as pointing rearward when braking or forward when accelerating. It also changes when steering, pointing in the direction of the turn.
  • #1
ahmed emad
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friction is causes the circular motion in the car around a curve, and if we draw free body diagram we will see the friction force must be opposite the car motion so the force of friction not toward to the center of the curve ,so the force of friction must be not the centripetal force ,mustn't it?
 
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  • #2
ahmed emad said:
friction is causes the circular motion in the car around a curve, and if we draw free body diagram we will see the friction force must be opposite the car motion so the force of friction not toward to the center of the curve ,so the force of friction must be not the centripetal force ,mustn't it?
Kinetic friction opposes the relative motion between two surfaces that are in contact and are slipping against each other.

The thing that is in contact with the road is the contact patch on the bottom of the car's tires. That contact patch is not (usually) slipping relative to the road. So you have static friction, not kinetic friction. Static friction provides whatever force is required to keep the surfaces from slipping (within the limits of the coefficient of static friction). The static frictional force will not necessarily oppose the motion of the car.

If you slam on the brakes, friction from road on tires will point rearward.
If you step on the gas, friction from road on tires will point forward.
If you steer right, friction from road on tires will point rightward.
 

1. How does friction play a role in guiding a car around a curve?

Friction is the force that resists the motion between two surfaces in contact. In the case of a car going around a curve, the friction between the tires and the road helps to maintain the car's trajectory and prevent it from sliding off the road.

2. What happens if there is not enough friction while going around a curve?

If there is not enough friction between the tires and the road, the car will not be able to maintain its trajectory and may slide off the road. This can lead to loss of control and potentially cause an accident.

3. Can the type of tires affect the amount of friction while going around a curve?

Yes, the type of tires can greatly affect the amount of friction between the tires and the road. Tires with a larger surface area and better tread patterns can provide more friction, making it easier to navigate around curves.

4. Is there a maximum speed at which a car can safely go around a curve based on friction?

Yes, there is a maximum speed at which a car can safely go around a curve based on friction. This is because the amount of friction is dependent on the weight and speed of the car, and going too fast can reduce the amount of friction available to keep the car on the road.

5. How can drivers adjust their driving to account for the effects of friction while going around a curve?

Drivers can adjust their driving by reducing their speed while going around a curve, especially if the road is wet or slippery. They can also ensure that their tires are properly inflated and have good tread to maximize the amount of friction between the tires and the road.

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