Physics (10th Edition)

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1118486897
ISBN 13: 978-1-11848-689-4

Chapter 5 - Dynamics of Uniform Circular Motion - Check Your Understanding - Page 128: 8

Answer

The chance of the light car and heavy car safely rounding the curve is the same.

Work Step by Step

In an unbanked curve, static friction provides the centripetal force stopping the car from sliding. We have $$F_c=f_s^{max}=\mu_sF_N$$ Assume there is no vertical acceleration, so that $F_N=mg$ $$F_c=\mu_smg$$ On the other hand, $F_c$ equals $\frac{mv^2}{r}$, so $$\frac{mv^2}{r}=\mu_smg$$ $$\frac{v^2}{r}=\mu_sg$$ It can be seen here that the risk of sliding in an unbanked curve does not depend on the car's mass, so all things being equal, the chance of the light car and heavy car safely rounding the curve is the same.
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