Stunt Driver and Centripetal Force

How does a stunt driver stay on course while rounding a banked, circular curve at a high speed?

What concept in physics is demonstrated by a stunt driver rounding a banked, circular curve at a high speed without skidding?

Answer:

A stunt driver rounding a banked, circular curve at a high speed without skidding represents the concept of centripetal force in physics.

When a stunt driver rounds a banked, circular curve at a high speed without skidding, it showcases the physics principle of centripetal force in action. Centripetal force is the force that acts towards the center of a curved path, allowing an object to move in a circular motion without flying off in a straight line.

In this scenario, the friction between the car's tires and the road provides the necessary centripetal force to keep the car on the curve. The speed of the car, combined with the banking angle of the curve, creates a balance of forces that prevents the car from skidding or veering off course.

← Calculating acceleration and final velocity of a body Inscribed angle theorem understanding the relationship between inscribed angles and intercepted arcs →