Banked curve without friction · PhysicsBowl 2019 #28
Physics · mechanics
Problem
A curve on a racetrack has a radius of 80 m and is banked at 45°. Suppose that the road surface on the curve somehow became frictionless (perhaps caused by an ice storm or an oil spill) and a car needs to navigate this curve. What is the safe speed with which to take the curve without either sliding up or down the bank of the curve?
(A) 9 m/s (B) 14 m/s (C) 21 m/s (D) 28 m/s (E) 33 m/s