Question

A small car of mass m and a large car of mass 4m drive along a highway at constant speed. They approach a curve of radius R. Both cars maintain the same acceleration a as they travel around the curve. How does the speed of the small car vS compare to the speed of the large car vL as they round the curve?

A. Vs = 1/4VL
B. Vs = 1/2VL
C. Vs = VL
D. 2VL
E. Vs = 4VL

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

Mass of small car m

Mass of big car 4m

Radius of the curve R

The two car have the same acceleration a

Circular motion

acceleration of circular motion is given as

a=v²/r

Since they both have the same acceleration

Then,

Big car acceleration = small car

Vl²/R=Vs²/R

Then Vl²=Vs²

Vs = Vl

Option c is correct. This shows that the mass of the car is independent on the speed of the cars