What Determines the Direction of Force on a Car Traveling in a Circle?

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SUMMARY

The net force acting on a car traveling in a circle at constant speed is directed toward the center of the curve. This centripetal force is essential for maintaining circular motion, as it continuously changes the direction of the car without altering its speed. The analogy of spinning a bucket of water illustrates that the water remains pressed against the sides due to the inward force, reinforcing the concept of centripetal acceleration. Therefore, the correct answer to the discussion question is option c: the net force is directed toward the center of the curve.

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a car travels in a circle with constant speed. the net force on the car ______

a- is zero becasuse the car is not accelerating
b-is directed forward, in the direction of travel
c-is directed toward the center of the curve
d-is directed away from the center of the curve
 
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What are your thoughts? You are expected to put forth some effort.
 
Think about spinning a bucket with water around and around, what happens to the water? and in what direction is the water affected, from the center, towards the center, you are of course the center in this case
 

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