Understanding the Horizontal Component of Normal Force in Banked Curves

In summary, during a banked curve, the horizontal component of the normal force, N·sinθ, is considered the net force and the centripetal force because the vertical component is canceled by gravity. The normal force is pointing toward the center of curvature of the vehicle's trajectory, which is the center of the circle the vehicle is traveling in. This is different from a geodesic on the surface, where gravity affects the path differently. The center of curvature of a circular arc is the center of the circle containing that arc.
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marlasca23
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Why during a banked curve is the horizontal component of the normal force considered as the net force and the centripetal force? The horizontal component of Normal force, N·sinθ, is not even ponting towards the centre of the curvature.
 
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marlasca23 said:
The horizontal component of Normal force, N·sinθ, is not even ponting towards the centre of the curvature.
It is pointing toward the center of curvature of the trajectory of the vehicle.

Edit: A geodesic on the surface would curve otherwise, but gravity affects the vehicle's path.
 
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marlasca23 said:
Why during a banked curve is the horizontal component of the normal force considered as the net force and the centripetal force?
Because the vertical component is canceled by gravity.
 
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jbriggs444 said:
It is pointing toward the center of curvature of the trajectory of the vehicle.

Sorry, I don't understand that. Could you explain it more in depth, please?
 
  • #5
The vehicle travels in a circular path around the banked curve. The circle is in a horizontal plane. The center of the circle is in that plane. The net force on the vehicle is toward that center.

The "center of curvature" of a circular arc is the center of the circle containing that arc.
 
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FAQ: Understanding the Horizontal Component of Normal Force in Banked Curves

1. What is the horizontal component of normal force in banked curves?

The horizontal component of normal force in banked curves is the force exerted by the surface of the banked curve on an object moving along the surface. It is perpendicular to the surface and acts as a support force to keep the object from sliding down the banked curve.

2. How does the angle of the banked curve affect the horizontal component of normal force?

The angle of the banked curve affects the horizontal component of normal force by changing the magnitude of the force. As the angle of the banked curve increases, the horizontal component of normal force also increases, providing more support to the object.

3. What is the relationship between the speed of an object and the horizontal component of normal force in a banked curve?

The horizontal component of normal force is directly proportional to the speed of the object. As the speed increases, the force also increases to keep the object from sliding off the banked curve.

4. How does the mass of an object affect the horizontal component of normal force in a banked curve?

The mass of an object has no effect on the horizontal component of normal force in a banked curve. The force is solely dependent on the speed and angle of the banked curve.

5. Can the horizontal component of normal force be greater than the weight of an object?

Yes, the horizontal component of normal force can be greater than the weight of an object. This can happen when the angle of the banked curve is steep enough and the speed of the object is high enough to create a larger normal force to keep the object from sliding down the banked curve.

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