Understanding the Horizontal Component of Normal Force in Banked Curves

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the understanding of the horizontal component of the normal force in banked curves, particularly its role as the net force and centripetal force acting on a vehicle navigating a circular path. Participants explore the implications of the geometry of banked curves and the forces involved, including gravity and the orientation of the normal force.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question why the horizontal component of the normal force, represented as N·sinθ, is considered the net force and centripetal force, suggesting it does not point toward the center of curvature.
  • Others assert that the horizontal component of the normal force does indeed point toward the center of curvature of the vehicle's trajectory.
  • It is noted that the vertical component of the normal force is canceled by gravity, which is relevant to the net force acting on the vehicle.
  • One participant emphasizes that the vehicle travels in a circular path in a horizontal plane, with the net force directed toward the center of that circle.
  • Several participants express confusion and request further clarification on the concepts being discussed, indicating a need for more in-depth explanations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit disagreement regarding the directionality of the horizontal component of the normal force and its role in the dynamics of banked curves. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing views presented.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference external images and resources to illustrate their points, indicating a reliance on visual aids to clarify the concepts discussed. There is an acknowledgment of confusion regarding the geometric interpretation of the center of curvature.

marlasca23
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Why during a banked curve is the horizontal component of the normal force considered as the net force and the centripetal force? The horizontal component of Normal force, N·sinθ, is not even ponting towards the centre of the curvature.
 
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marlasca23 said:
The horizontal component of Normal force, N·sinθ, is not even ponting towards the centre of the curvature.
It is pointing toward the center of curvature of the trajectory of the vehicle.

Edit: A geodesic on the surface would curve otherwise, but gravity affects the vehicle's path.
 
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marlasca23 said:
Why during a banked curve is the horizontal component of the normal force considered as the net force and the centripetal force?
Because the vertical component is canceled by gravity.
 
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jbriggs444 said:
It is pointing toward the center of curvature of the trajectory of the vehicle.

Sorry, I don't understand that. Could you explain it more in depth, please?
 
The vehicle travels in a circular path around the banked curve. The circle is in a horizontal plane. The center of the circle is in that plane. The net force on the vehicle is toward that center.

The "center of curvature" of a circular arc is the center of the circle containing that arc.
 
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