Question

A car has a "lateral acceleration" of 8.5 m/s². This represents the maximum centripetal acceleration that can be attained without skidding out of the circular path. If the car is traveling at a constant 40 m/s, what is the minimum radius of curve it can negotiate? (Assume the curve is unbanked).

Answer 1

Explanations & Calculations

• For this you need to the equation that describes the centripetal/lateral acceleration.

$\qquad\qquad \begin{aligned} \small a&=\small \frac{v^2}{r} \end{aligned}$

• Now you can give it a try substituting the given values into the equation and getting the answer.
• Give it a try.