learnohub
Question:
Draw a diagram showing the various force acting on a vehicle moving on a banked road.Deduce a formula for the maximum velocity with which the vehicle can move along the banked road , when 'friction' is also present.
Answer:

Banked Road

Suppose we consider a particular car going around a particular banked turn. The centripetal force needed to turn the car (mv2/r) depends on the speed of the car since the mass of the car and the radius of the turn are fixed in the expression mv2/r  If the car is at high speed, it requires more centripetal force and if it is at less speed requires less centripetal force.

The forces acting on the body are the Normal force N and the frictional force f, as shown in the diagram.

The forces N and f can be resolved into horizontal and vertical components. We can balance the horizontal components and vertical components separately.

Thus, In the vertical direction (Y axis)

NcosƟ = fsinƟ + mg --------------------(i)

In horizontal direction (X axis)

fcosƟ + NsinƟ = mv2/r  ----------------(ii)

Since we know that f =  μsN   where μs is the co-efficient of friction

For maximum velocity, f = μsN. Hence, (i)becomes:

NcosƟ = μsNsinƟ + mg

Or, NcosƟ - μsNsinƟ = mg

Or, N = mg/(cosƟ- μssinƟ)

Put the above value of N in (ii)

μsNcosƟ + NsinƟ = mv2/r 

μsmgcosƟ/(cosƟ- μssinƟ) + mgsinƟ/(cosϴ- μssinƟ) = mv2/r 

mg (sinƟ + μscosƟ)/ (cosƟ - μssinƟ) = mv2/r 

Divide the Numerator & Denominator by cosƟ, we get

v2 = Rg (tanƟ +μs) /(1- μs tanƟ)

v = √ Rg (tanƟs) /(1- μs tanƟ)

This is the maximum speed of a car on a banked road when friction is also present.

Not what you are looking for? Go ahead and submit the question, we will get back to you.

learnohub

Classes

  • Class 6
  • Class 7
  • Class 8
  • Class 9
  • Class 10
  • Class 11
  • Class 12
  • ICSE 6
  • ICSE 7
  • ICSE 8
  • ICSE 9
  • ICSE 10
  • NEET
  • JEE

YouTube Channels

  • LearnoHub Class 11,12
  • LearnoHub Class 9,10
  • LearnoHub Class 6,7,8
  • LearnoHub Kids

Overview

  • FAQs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • About Us
  • NGO School
  • Contribute
  • Jobs @ LearnoHub
  • Success Stories
© Learnohub 2026.