U10: Challenge, Multiple Choice

Front

What is the formula to calculate the maximum speed of a car navigating a turn?

Back

s = √(μ * g * r), where s is the maximum speed, μ is the coefficient of friction, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and r is the radius of the turn.

Front

What does the coefficient of friction (μ) represent in physics?

Back

The coefficient of friction (μ) is a dimensionless scalar value that represents the frictional force between two bodies in contact, affecting the maximum speed a vehicle can achieve while turning.

Front

How does the radius of a turn (r) affect the maximum speed of a car?

Back

A larger radius allows for a higher maximum speed, as the centripetal force required to keep the car on the turn decreases with increasing radius.

Front

What is centripetal acceleration and how is it calculated?

Back

Centripetal acceleration (a_c) is the acceleration directed towards the center of a circular path, calculated as a_c = v²/r, where v is the speed and r is the radius.

Front

What is the relationship between speed and force in a centrifuge?

Back

The force experienced in a centrifuge is proportional to the square of the speed; if the speed is halved, the force experienced is reduced to one-fourth.

Front

What is the significance of the direction of acceleration in circular motion?

Back

In circular motion, acceleration is always directed towards the center of the circle, indicating that the object is constantly changing direction.

Front

What happens to the force experienced by an astronaut in a centrifuge if the speed is doubled?

Back

If the speed is doubled, the force experienced by the astronaut increases by a factor of four, as force is proportional to the square of the speed.

Front

Define the term 'maximum speed' in the context of a car navigating a turn.

Back

Maximum speed is the highest velocity a car can achieve while maintaining a safe turn without skidding, determined by the balance of gravitational and frictional forces.

Front

What is the formula for calculating the minimum speed at which a car will catch air over a bump?

Back

Minimum speed can be calculated using the formula v = √(g * r), where g is the acceleration due to gravity and r is the radius of the bump.

Front

Explain the concept of gravitational force in relation to a car navigating a turn.

Back

Gravitational force acts downwards on the car, and it must be balanced by the frictional force to prevent the car from sliding out of the turn.