Question

A car of mass 800 kg is moving in a circular path with a radius of 50 m at a speed of 20 m/s. Calculate the centripetal force acting on the car.

• A. \( 6400 \, \text{N} \)
• B. \( 3200 \, \text{N} \)
• C. \( 8000 \, \text{N} \)
• D. \( 4000 \, \text{N} \)

Hint:

In circular motion, the centripetal force is always directed towards the center of the circle and keeps the object moving along its curved path. Make sure to use the correct radius and speed values to calculate the force.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The centripetal force \( F_{\text{c}} \) acting on an object moving in a circle is given by: \[ F_{\text{c}} = \frac{mv^2}{r} \] Where: - \( m = 800 \, \text{kg} \) 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. Now, substitute the values: \[ F_{\text{c}} = \frac{800 \times (20)^2}{50} = \frac{800 \times 400}{50} = 6400 \, \text{N} \] Thus, the centripetal force acting on the car is \( 6400 \, \text{N} \).