Why does a car over turn outwards when turning at high speed?

In summary, cars turn outward when going around a corner at high speeds due to Newton's law of inertia. The car's natural tendency is to continue going in a straight line, causing it to deflect from the curved path and roll outward. This is because the force deflecting the car is applied at the bottom, not at the center of gravity. Unlike motorcycles and bicycles, cars are too large to intentionally tilt inward to counteract this tendency.
  • #1
Koveras00
21
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May i know why does a car over turn outwards when turning round a corner at high speed?
 
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  • #2
Newton's law. Things going in a straight line want to stay that way (inertia). When you go around a curve, the car's inertia is trying to keep it goint straight, i.e. going outward from the curved path, along a line tangent to the curve.
 
  • #3
It should also be added that the force deflecting the car from its straight line is the friction between the tires and the road surface. Because this force is applied at the very bottom of the car, well below the center of gravity, the property of inertia does not act symmetrically on the entire car. If the car were deflected from its straight line by a guard rail placed at such a height as to match the car's center of gravity, the car would experience no "roll" at all.
 
  • #4
Just in case you were thinking that a bicycle or motorcycle "tilts" inward when going around a curve- the rider intentionally tilts inward specifically to counteract the natural tendency (because, as LURCH said, the deflecting force occurs at the tires and so inertia causes the top to "roll" outward) to tilt outward. An automobile is much too large to intentionally tilt inward to counter that. That's why motorcycle and bicycle tires are round (so that you can ride "on the edges") but car tires are flat on the bottom.
 

FAQ: Why does a car over turn outwards when turning at high speed?

What is centripetal force and how does it affect a car turning round a corner?

Centripetal force is the force that acts towards the center of a circular motion. In the case of a car turning round a corner, the centripetal force is what keeps the car moving in a circular path. If there is not enough centripetal force, the car will not be able to turn and will continue in a straight line.

How does the speed of a car affect its turning radius?

The speed of a car directly affects its turning radius. The faster the car is moving, the larger the turning radius will be. This is because a higher speed requires a larger centripetal force to keep the car in a circular path. As the speed decreases, the turning radius will also decrease.

What is the difference between understeering and oversteering in a car turning round a corner?

Understeering occurs when the front wheels of a car lose traction and are unable to turn as much as the driver intends. This can happen when a car is going too fast for the turn or when the front tires are worn. Oversteering, on the other hand, is when the rear wheels lose traction and the back of the car starts to slide out. This can happen when a car is going too fast and the driver suddenly brakes or turns sharply.

How does the weight distribution of a car affect its turning ability?

The weight distribution of a car plays a significant role in its turning ability. A car with a higher center of gravity will have more body roll and be less stable when turning, while a car with a lower center of gravity will have better handling and be more stable. Additionally, a car with more weight on the front tires will have better traction and be able to turn more easily.

What other factors besides speed can affect a car's ability to turn round a corner?

Besides speed, other factors that can affect a car's turning ability include tire tread and pressure, road conditions, and suspension and steering components. Worn tires or low tire pressure can decrease traction and make it harder for a car to turn. Poor road conditions, such as wet or icy roads, can also decrease traction and make it more difficult to turn. Lastly, a car with faulty suspension or steering components may have difficulty maintaining control while turning.

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