Question Detail
Question
When a car is moving at the optimal speed on a banked curve (with no friction needed), what force(s) contribute to the centripetal force?
Correct Answer
Option D is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
From the force diagram, when friction is zero, the horizontal component of the normal force (N sin θ) provides the centripetal force, while the vertical component (N cos θ) balances the weight.
Hint
The normal force is perpendicular to the road surface. On a banked road, this force is angled, so it has a horizontal component pointing toward the center of the curve.