Physics 2007 JAMB Past Questions - Question 44: A car mass 1500 kg goes round a circular curve of radius 50 m at a speed of 40 ms-¹. The magnitude of the centripetal force on the car is

Correct Answer

D

Explanation

To find the magnitude of the centripetal force on the car, you can use the following formula:

Centripetal Force (F) = (mass) x (centripetal acceleration)

Centripetal acceleration (a) is given by:

a = (velocity^2) / radius

Where:
- Mass (m) of the car is 1500 kg.
- Radius (r) of the curve is 50 m.
- Velocity (v) of the car is 40 m/s.

First, calculate centripetal acceleration:

a = (40 m/s)^2 / 50 m
a = 1600 m^2/s^2 / 50 m
a = 32 m/s^2

Now, use the centripetal force formula:

F = m * a
F = 1500 kg * 32 m/s^2
F = 48,000 N

So, the magnitude of the centripetal force on the car is 48,000 Newtons.