Question

When you drive a car around a curve that is not banked, what force provides the centripetal
acceleration? HINT: Think about turning a curve on ice. If the curve is banked, what additional
force plays a role in providing the centripetal force? Draw force diagrams to clarify your
thinking

Answer 1

The friction force of the tires provides a centripetal force. The normal force of the car contributes to the centripetal force on a banked turn. This is why we can set the bank of a road such that no friction between the road and tires are required to make the turn at a specific speed.

Answer 2

so would the force diagram look something like this

Answer 3

Remember to include all relavent forces.