Final answer:
The rear wheels move in the same direction as the front wheels when a vehicle goes around a corner, ensuring stability and adherence to the curved path. Friction between the tires and the road surface provides the necessary force to allow for circular motion.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a vehicle goes around a corner, the rear wheels move in the same direction as the front wheels. This movement allows the vehicle to navigate the turn while maintaining stability. The wheels of the vehicle must all cooperate to ensure that the forces such as friction, which prevent the car from spinning out, and centripetal force, which is necessary for circular motion, are properly managed.
Considering an example from car racing, as the Australian Grand Prix Formula 1 race car makes a turn, both the front and rear wheels are oriented towards the inside of the curve. However, the rear wheels do not change direction as dramatically as the front wheels because they are typically on a fixed axle. Instead, they follow their natural trajectory set by the turn of the front wheels. The friction between the tires and the road provides the necessary force to maintain the car's path without losing traction.
In terms of physics, a car turning a corner at a constant speed is an example of an object moving in a circular path, requiring a centripetal force. The tires' interaction with the road surface generates this force, and all wheels contribute to the car's overall motion.