Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Centripetal acceleration

Centripetal acceleration — practice question

(a)[2]

With reference to velocity and acceleration, describe uniform circular motion.

(b)

Two cars are travelling around a horizontal circular track. One follows path X and the other follows path Y, as shown in Fig. 1.1. The radius of path X is $318\,\text{m}$. Path Y runs parallel to path X and lies $27\,\text{m}$ further out. Each car has mass $790\,\text{kg}$. The maximum lateral (sideways) friction force $F$ that each car can experience without sliding is the same.

(b(i))[2]

The greatest speed at which the car on path X can go round the track without sliding is $94\,\text{m s}^{-1}$. Calculate $F$.

(b(ii))[3]

Both cars travel around the track. Each car is moving at the greatest speed possible without sliding. Complete Table 1.1 by placing one tick in each row to show how the quantities listed for the car on path Y compare with those for the car on path X.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 7-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: fixed speed or fixed magnitude of velocity

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