Final answer:
Overturning while using a short turning radius at high speeds is caused by an imbalance between the centripetal force and the frictional force available. The necessary centripetal force must be supplied through a combination of vehicle speed, turn radius, and the force of friction, with centrifugal force affecting the rider's perception during the turn.
Step-by-step explanation:
Using a short turning radius when traveling at high speeds can cause overturning due to centripetal force and its relationship with the speed of the vehicle and the radius of the turn. When a vehicle makes a turn, there must be enough friction between the tires and the road to supply the necessary centripetal force to keep the vehicle in a curved path.
If the turning radius is too short, or the speed too high, the required centripetal force exceeds the maximum force of friction available. This imbalance can lead to the outer edge of the vehicle lifting, potentially causing it to overturn. To prevent this, the vehicle must either decrease speed or increase the turning radius to balance the involved forces correctly.
The feeling described of sliding away from the center during a turn is the result of centrifugal force, which is a perceived force due to the body's inertia resisting the change in motion as the vehicle turns. Motorcycles and bicycles showcase gyroscopic effects and the need to lean at the correct angle during a turn, ensuring the centripetal force is appropriately directed through the vehicle's center of gravity, to maintain stability and prevent overturning.