Question

A vehicle is travelling along un-banked curved path. If the friction between the road and tyres suddenly disappears, then the vehicle:

• A. moves along trangential direction
• B. moves along radially outward direction
• C. moves along a direction between tangential and radially outward direction
• D. moves along the same curved path

Answer 1

The correct option is A moves along trangential direction

For circular motion of any object, centripetal force is necessary. In case of stone tied to string, tension provides the necessary centripetal force. In case of earth, gravitational force provides the necessary centripetal force and in case of vehicle in a curved path, friction force provides that necessary centripetal force. If the friction suddenly disappears the centripetal force will also disappear, making the vehicle to leave the curved path and move along the tangent of the curved path due to inertia of motion.