Log In Start studying!

Select your language

Suggested languages for you:
Answers without the blur. Sign up and see all textbooks for free! Illustration

Q6.3-5CQ

Expert-verified
College Physics (Urone)
Found in: Page 218

Answers without the blur.

Just sign up for free and you're in.

Illustration

Short Answer

If centripetal force is directed toward the centre, why do you feel that you are ‘thrown’ away from the centre as a car goes around a curve? Explain.

We feel an outward throw from the centre as a car goes around a curve because of the pseudo force acting in opposition to the acceleration of the car.

See the step by step solution

Step by Step Solution

Step 1: Definition of centripetal force

The acceleration of a body traveling in a circular route is known as centripetal acceleration. Because velocity is a vector quantity (it has both a magnitude and a direction), as a body moves on a circular path, its direction changes constantly, causing its velocity to vary, resulting in acceleration.

We know that Newton’s law of motion is valid for inertial frames only.

If a frame of reference is accelerated it is not inertial.

So, we have to add a pseudo force is a

F=-m a0

Step 2: Determine the force acting opposite to the acceleration of the car

As Centripetal acceleration acts on the car. We are driving the car so in an accelerated frame of reference. So there will be a pseudo force acting in opposition to the acceleration of the car.

Hence, we feel an outward throw from the centre as a car goes around a curve.

But for an observer outside the car both the forces balance each other.

Most popular questions for Physics Textbooks

Icon

Want to see more solutions like these?

Sign up for free to discover our expert answers
Get Started - It’s free

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

94% of StudySmarter users get better grades.

Sign up for free
94% of StudySmarter users get better grades.