Two cars take different circular bends on a level road
PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics
Problem
Two cars take different circular bends on a level road. Car P of mass 1000kg moves at 20ms−1 on a bend of radius 50m, while Car Q of mass 800kg moves at 25ms−1 on a bend of radius 60m. Neglecting all other forces, which statement is correct about the magnitudes of the centripetal forces acting on the cars?
(a) Car P experiences the greater centripetal force.
(b) Both cars experience equal centripetal forces.
(c) Car Q experiences the greater centripetal force.
(d) Data are insufficient to compare the forces.