When a car negotiates a curve, the normal force exerted on the inner & outer wheels are N1 & N2 respectively . Then N1 / N2 is

Q: When a car negotiates a curve, the normal force exerted on the inner & outer wheels are N₁ & N₂ respectively . Then N₁ / N₂ is

(A) = 1

(B) < 1

(C) > 1

(D) zero

Solution:

Referring to the free body diagram we obtain,

ΣF_y= N₁ + N₂ – mg = 0

N₁ + N₂ = mg . . . (A)

Along radial, ΣF_r = ma_r

f_r = mv²/r . . . (B)

Σt_G = 0

N₁d/2 + f_rh – N₂d/2 = 0    . . . (C)

Using N₂ – N₁ = (2h/d)(mv²/r) & N₂ = mg/2 + hmv²/dr

N₁/N₂ < 1