https://physics.gurumuda.

net

Rounding a banked curve – dynamics of cicular motion problems and solutions

1. A car rounding a banked curve. What is angle for the road which has a curve of radius 60 meters with
a design speed of 20 m/s ? Assume there is no friction between car and road.
Solution

N = normal force
N sin θ = horizontal component of normal force
N cos θ = vertical component of normal force
w = m g = the weight of the car

The road is designed to be banked to eliminate dependence on friction.

The net horizontal force, the horizontal component of normal force (N sin θ), required to keep the car
moving in a circle around the curve.

We choose x axis as horizontal and y axis as vertical, so that centripetal acceleration, a R, is along the
horizontal direction. In the horizontal direction, the only force is horizontal component of normal force
(N sin θ), needed to produce the centripetal acceleration. N sin θ = centripetal force.

Apply Newton's law of motion in vertical direction :

Σ F=m a
N cos θ=m g
mg
N= …........ Equation 1
cos θ

Apply Newton's law of motion in horizontal direction :

Σ F=m a
N sinθ=m a R
v 2 …........ Equation 2
N sinθ=m
r

Read more
https://physics.gurumuda.net/rounding-a-banked-curve-dynamics-of-cicular-motion-problems-and-
solutions.htm