Question

Skidding occurs when the maximum frictional force of a flat road on a car is:

• A. less than centripetal force required
• B. more than centripeal force required
• C. equal to centripetal force required
• D. independent of centripetal force

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

less than centripetal force required

When an objects rotates in a circle, a centripetal force is required. This centripetal force is either provided by tension force or gravitational force or friction force. In the case of car the centripetal force is provided by friction force. If the maximum friction provided by the ground and the tires is less than the required centripetal force then it will not be able to take a perfect turn as expected and it will try to leave out the circle i.e. it will skid away.