Simulation · Physics · Class 11
What keeps a car on a banked curve
"What keeps a car on a banked curve" is a free, interactive Class 11 Physics simulation for NEET and JEE, built on the lesson "Circular motion" in Laws of Motion. Set the bank, the grip and the speed. Which real forces point the car towards the centre, and when do they fall short? JEE Main asked 39 questions from this chapter across the 42 shifts Lumi has analysed (2017–2026).
From the lesson Circular motion in Laws of Motion. Change the values and watch what happens.
What keeps a car on a banked curvePhysics · Class 11
In JEE Main
42 shifts analysed
39 questions from Laws of Motion across the 42 JEE Main shifts Lumi has analysed (2017–2026).
The idea behind it
NCERT § "Circular Motion"
- Moving at speed v in a circle of radius R, a body has an acceleration v²/R directed towards the centre, so it needs a net force mv²/R towards the centre.
- Centripetal force is not a new kind of force; it is supplied by an existing force such as tension, gravity, or friction.
- On a level (unbanked) road the centripetal force comes only from static friction between tyres and road, giving a maximum safe speed v_max = √(μ_s R g), independent of the car's mass.
- Static friction, not kinetic, is used here because the tyres do not slip sideways on the road.
- On a road banked at angle θ, a component of the normal force also points towards the centre, raising the maximum safe speed.
- At the optimum speed v₀ = √(R g tan θ) the normal force alone supplies the centripetal force and friction is not needed, which reduces tyre wear.
- Below the optimum speed friction acts up the slope; above it, friction acts down the slope.
Questions
3 answers
- What does the "What keeps a car on a banked curve" simulation show?
- Set the bank, the grip and the speed. Which real forces point the car towards the centre, and when do they fall short?
- Does JEE Main ask questions from Laws of Motion?
- Yes. JEE Main asked 39 questions from this chapter across the 42 shifts Lumi has analysed (2017–2026).
- Is this simulation free?
- Yes. It is free and runs in the browser on a phone or a laptop. It belongs to the lesson "Circular motion" in Laws of Motion (Class 11 Physics).
Embed this simulation
Free, with a link back
Teaching this idea? Put the simulation on your own page or LMS with this code.