Question

A car of mass 1000 kg is moving in a circular path of radius 50 m with a speed of 20 m/s. Calculate the centripetal force acting on the car.

• A. \( 4000 \, \text{N} \)
• B. \( 2000 \, \text{N} \)
• C. \( 5000 \, \text{N} \)
• D. \( 10000 \, \text{N} \)

Hint:

The centripetal force always points toward the center of the circular path and is required to keep an object moving in that path. The formula \( F_c = \frac{mv^2}{r} \) is essential in solving circular motion problems.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The centripetal force \( F_c \) required to keep an object moving in a circular path is given by the formula: \[ F_c = \frac{mv^2}{r} \] Where: - \( m = 1000 \, \text{kg} \) is the mass of the car, - \( v = 20 \, \text{m/s} \) is the speed of the car, - \( r = 50 \, \text{m} \) is the radius of the circular path. Substitute the values: \[ F_c = \frac{1000 \times (20)^2}{50} = \frac{1000 \times 400}{50} = 4000 \, \text{N} \] Thus, the centripetal force acting on the car is \( 4000 \, \text{N} \).