A car is taking a right-hand turn along a level circular track at a constant speed
PHYSICS · Subjective · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Force and Translational Dynamics · Force and Translational Dynamics
Problem
A car is taking a right-hand turn along a level circular track at a constant speed. Assume the tyres grip the road because of friction between the tyres and the road surface.
(i) State what provides the necessary inward force for the car to continue turning along the curve.
(ii) Describe what happens to the passengers inside the car if this inward force suddenly becomes zero because the tyres lose grip on an oily patch.
(iii) Explain your answer in (ii) using the idea of inertia and the direction of the passengers’ velocity at that instant.
(iv) Name one safety device in cars that helps to reduce injuries in the situation described and briefly state how it helps.