Physics of Car Driving on Banked Curve: Forces at Play

In summary, when a car drives on a banked curve, the normal force increases due to the ground pushing back against the car. At a perfect speed, the normal force balances out the force of gravity. However, in the parallel direction to the road surface, there is a component of gravity and no normal force, resulting in an acceleration which is the component of centripetal acceleration in that direction. This explains why the force of friction is not affected by gravity and why the parallel part of gravity is not an issue.
  • #1
Melac12
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When a car drives on a banked curve it pushes into the ground and the ground pushes back making its normal force bigger then it would be just form the perpendicular component (to the road) of gravity. And at a perfect speed, the normal force’s up component balances the gravity. My first question is what about the component of gravity parallel to the road. I know that we don’t use a tilted coordinate system but that component of gravity has to do something, and since in other cases when the speed is not perfect the force of friction either acts up or down parallel to the road. Clearly the force of friction is not affected by gravity in any way. So what happens to the parallel part of gravity, or at least why is it not an issue?
http://batesvilleinschools.com/physics/PhyNet/Mechanics/Circular%20Motion/banked_with_friction.htm
 
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  • #2


Melac12 said:
at a perfect speed, the normal force’s up component balances the gravity.
Quite so, but the perpendicular direction to that is horizontal, not parallel to the road surface.
In the parallel to road direction, you have a component of gravity and no normal force, so there is an acceleration. This will be the component of the centripetal acceleration in that direction.
 

FAQ: Physics of Car Driving on Banked Curve: Forces at Play

What is the physics behind car driving on a banked curve?

When a car is driving on a banked curve, it experiences two main forces: the centripetal force and the normal force. The centripetal force acts towards the center of the curve and is responsible for keeping the car moving in a circular path. The normal force acts perpendicular to the surface of the road and prevents the car from sliding down the banked curve.

How does the angle of the banked curve affect the forces on a car?

The angle of the banked curve affects the balance between the centripetal force and the normal force. If the angle of the banked curve is too steep, the normal force will be too large and can cause the car to lose traction and slide down the curve. If the angle is too shallow, the centripetal force will be too large and can cause the car to lift off the ground.

What happens to the forces on a car if it is driving too fast or too slow on a banked curve?

If a car is driving too fast on a banked curve, the centripetal force required to keep it on the curve will be greater, and the car may slide up the banked surface. If the car is driving too slow, the centripetal force required will be less, and the car may slide down the banked surface. It is essential to maintain a proper speed to maintain the balance between forces.

How does the weight of a car affect the forces on a banked curve?

The weight of a car affects the normal force acting on it. The normal force is equal to the weight of the car when the car is on a flat surface. However, on a banked curve, the normal force is reduced, and the car's weight is divided into two components: the normal force and the force acting towards the center of the curve.

Can a car stay on a banked curve without friction?

No, a car cannot stay on a banked curve without friction. Friction is necessary to provide the centripetal force required to keep the car moving in a circular path. If there is no friction, the car will slide down the banked surface due to the force of gravity.

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