Two cars are driving at the same constant speed v around a racetrack. However, t

Question

Two cars are driving at the same constant speed v around a racetrack. However, they are traveling through turns that have different radii, as shown in the drawing. Which statement is true about the magnitude of the centripetal acceleration of each car?

a) The magnitude of the centripetal acceleration of the car at A is less than that of the car at B, since the radius of the circular track is smaller at A.

b) The magnitude of the centripetal acceleration of each car is the same, since the cars are moving at the same speed.

c) magnitude of the centripetal acceleration of the car at A is greater than that of the car at B, since the radius of the circular track is smaller at A.

d) The magnitude of the centripetal acceleration of the car at A is greater than that of the car at B, since the radius of the circular track is greater at A.

Explanation / Answer

centripetal acceleration = mv2/r

where m is mass

v=velocity

r= radius of curvature

as A is on narrow turn => radius of curvature is less than radius of curvature of B

=> magnitude of the centripetal acceleration of the car at A is greater than that of the car at B, since the radius of the circular track is smaller at A.

=> ans is c

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