HSC Physics: Paper I Knowledge and Comprehension Based Questions

Chapter-4: Newtonian Mechanics

1. Define inertia.
Ans. Inertia is the tendency of any object to stay in its own state of rest or motion.
2. Define force.
Ans. Force is push or pull which changes or tries to change the state of rest or uniform motion of a body.
3. Define fundamental force.
Ans. Any of the four basic forces that act on matter, comprising the strong, weak, electromagnetic and
gravitational forces is called fundamental force.
4. Define 1 N.
Ans. 1 N is the force required to accelerate an object of mass 1 kg by 1 ms-2.
5. Define 1 poundal.
Ans. The force applied on a body of 1 pound to produce 1 ft/s 2 acceleration in it is called 1 poundal force.
6. Define impulsive force.
Ans. Impulsive force is a force of high magnitude, whose time of application is very small. Such a force
causes an appreciable change in momentum but the displacement during the time the force acts is
negligible.
7. Define impulse of a force.
Ans. Impulse of a force is the product of large amount of force and time. It is denoted by J. Its unit is N – s.
Consider, a force 𝐹⃗ acting on a body for a short time period Δt. Thus the impulse of force will be
𝐽⃗ = 𝐹⃗ 𝑋∆𝑡.
⃗⃗−𝑚𝑣
𝑚𝑣 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
or, 𝐽⃗ = 0
𝑋 ∆𝑡 = 𝑚𝑣⃗ − 𝑚𝑣
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗0
∆𝑡
So, we can say, impulse of a force is equal to the change in momentum.
8. Define angular momentum.
Ans. The vector product of the position vector (from a reference point) and the linear momentum of a
particle is called the angular momentum of the particle w.r.t. the reference point.
Again, The product of angular velocity and moment of inertia of a rotating substance with respect to a
rotational axis is called angular momentum of that substance.

Consider a rigid body rotating about a point O. the position vector of the particle about this point is 𝑟⃗ and
the linear momentum of the particle is 𝑝⃗. Therefore, the angular momentum of the particle about O is
𝐿⃗⃗ = 𝑟⃗ 𝑋 𝑝⃗
Magnitude of 𝐿⃗⃗ is L = rp sin θ
9. Define Torque.

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Ans. The vector product of radius vector and force vector of a rotating particle about an axis is known as
torque. 𝜏 = 𝑟̅ 𝑋𝐹̅
⃗⃗
𝑑𝐿
or, Rate of change of angular momentum of any object is called torque. 𝜏 =
𝑑𝑡
Or, vector product of moment of inertia and angular acceleration is called torque. i. . 𝜏 = 𝐼𝛼
Its unit is N-m.
10. Define moment of inertia.
Ans. The moment of inertia is a quantity expressing a body's tendency to resist angular acceleration. The
moment of inertia of a body with respect to an axis is defined by the sum of the products of the mass of each
particle in the body and square of its perpendicular distance from that axis.
11. What is radius of gyration?
Ans. If it is possible to confine to rigid body to a single point, such that the moment of inertia of this point
mass about a fixed axis is equal to the moment of inertia of the whole body about the same axis, then the
distance of the point mass from the fixed axis is called radius of gyration.
12. What is centripetal force?
Ans. According to Newton’s first law of motion, a moving body travels along a straight path with constant
speed unless it is acted on by an outside force. For circular motion to occur there must be a constant force
acting on a body, pushing it toward the centre of the circular path. This force is centripetal force. In another
word,
The force that is necessary to keep an object moving in a curved path and that is directed inward toward the
centre of rotation is called centripetal force.

The magnitude of centripetal force is

𝑚𝑣 2
𝐹=
𝑟
13. What is centrifugal force?
Ans. The apparent force that is felt by an object moving in a curved path that acts outwardly away from the
centre of rotation is called centrifugal force.

14. What is banking of the road?

Ans. Banking of roads is defined as the phenomenon in which the edges are raised for the curved roads
above the inner edge to provide the necessary centripetal force to the vehicles so that they take a safe turn.
Suppose, a cyclist exerts F amount of force and in reaction gets R force which has two components as and.

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R sin θ balances the centripetal force and R cos θ balances the weight of the cyclist.
mv2
R sin θ = ………………………….(i)
r

R cosθ = mg ………………………….(ii)
Dividing (i) by (ii), we get
v2 v2
tan θ = or, θ = tan-1
rg rg

It follows that the angle through which cyclist should bend will be greater, if
i) The radius of the curve is small i.e. the curve is sharper
ii) The velocity of the cyclist is large.
15. What is elastic collision?
Ans. Elastic Collision is the collision on which the total kinetic before & after collision will be equal.
16. Define centre of gravity.
Ans. Centre of gravity of a body may be defined as a point through which the line of action of the weight of
the whole body passes, in whatever manner the body may be placed.
17. What is unification of force?
Ans. Scientists think that all the four fundamental forces are the form of only one force. i.e. in the universe
only one force is present. Professor Abdus Salam, Steven Weinberg and Glaso proved that weak nuclear
force and electromagnetic force are same force.
18. "The torque of a rigid body is 20 Nm" What does it mean?
Ans. Torque is the rate of angular momentum of a rotational object. Torque of a rigid body being 20 Nm
implies that role of change of angular momentum of the object with respect to its rotational axis 20 kgm2s2.
19. What is rotational inertia?
Ans. The rotational intertia of a body is the opposition that the body exhibits to having its speed of rotation
about and axis altered by the application of a torque (turning force).
20. What is called angular velocity?
Ans. Angular velocity of an object in circular motion is defined as the time rate of change of its angular

displacement. It is denoted by ω.
  
We know, v = ω r
 
Where v = linear velocity and r = position vector.
21. Write down the limitation of Newton’s laws of motion.
Ans. Newton’s law can explain the motion of macroscopic objects successfully but failed to explain motion of
the microscopic particles like electrons, protons, neutrons etc

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a) Newtonian Mechanics can explain Maxwell’s electromagnetic theory, diffraction, dispersion, polarization
etc. but to explain black body radiation, photo electric effect, Compton effect, Raman effect, stability of
electron, specific heat of solid object etc Newtonian Mechanics limitation is clearly visible.
b) Due to the limitation of Newtonian Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics was arrived.
c) According to Classical Mechanics, mass, time or length are conserved but special theory of relativity
proved that when a particle moves with the speed of light then mass or time or length are not conserved.
22. What is force constant?[D.B.-16]
Ans. The force which needs to increase the unite length of a spring is called the force constant of spring.
23. What is fundamental force?[Ctg.B.-16]
Ans. The force whose action-reacting are seen in the nature is called fundamental forces. In other word,
those forces which are fundamental and are not originated from other forces, but all forces can be
expressed in terms of those forces, are called fundamental forces.
24. Define: Angular acceleration.
Ans. When the time interval is infinitesimal, the rate of change in angular velocity is defined as angular
acceleration.
25. What is linear momentum?
Ans. Linear momentum is the product of mass an object & its velocity an object
26. What is called angular frequency?
Ans. Angular frequency is the measure of angular displacement per unit time.
27. What is restoring force?
Ans. A restoring is a force exerted on a body or a system that tends to move it towards an equilibrium state.
28. What is couple?
Ans. It consists of two equal and opposite parallel forces whose line of action do not coincide, it always
tends to change rotation.
29. What is collision?
Ans. When two bodies are moving along a straight line or, one body is at rest and other body is moving,
suddenly push one another, the incident is known as collision. The objects that participate in collision are
known as system. For example, hammering a nail, hitting a cricket ball, collision between two moving
vehicles etc.
There are two types of collision:
i. Elastic collision
ii. inelastic collision
Elastic Collision: During collision if the K.E of the system remains constant then the collision is called elastic
collision. Collision between the molecules.
Inelastic Collision: During collision if the K.E of the system remains changed then the collision is called
inelastic collision. Collision between two cars etc all types of collision are inelastic.
30. In case of rotational motion, the moment of inertia of an object is equal to the mass of the object-Explain.
Ans. Tendency of a body to preserve its state of rest or of uniform motion in a straight line, is called inertia.
We may define moment of inertia of a rigid body about an axis as the sum of the products of masses of all
the particles of the body and squares of their respective perpendicular distances from the axis of rotation.

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Measurement of inertia is called mass, whereas measurement of moment of inertia is called rotational mass.
In case of linear motion, the role which kept by inertia, the same role kept by moment of inertia in case of
rotational motion. So, moment of inertia is equivalent to mass of body.
31. If the momentum of inertia for a person who is rotating around own axis is half then angular motion is
doubled. Write down its significance.
Ans. According to the conservation of angular momentum law,
L1 = L2
or, I1ω1 = I2ω2
ω2 I1
or, ω = I
1 2

I1
Now, if I2 = , then
2
ω2 I1
ω1 = I1 = 2 or, ω2 = 2ω1
2
i.e. if the moment of inertia is half, the angular velocity will be doubled.
32. The acceleration of the rotating object in a circular path is zero. Explained it.
Ans. The acceleration of rotating object in a circular path isn't zero. Even if its speed is constant, the direction of
velocity which is tangential to the point on the point of circular path is changing in every moment. So, velocity is
changing hence it has an acceleration.
33. What do you mean by torque or 25 N m of a body?
Ans. Torque of body being 25Nm implies that with respect to a specific axis, product of applied force on an
object & perpendicular distance of the point the force is acting from that axis is 25 Nm.
34. 'Moment of inertia is 50 kgm2' – what do you understand?[R.B.-17]
Ans. The moment of inertia of an object with respect to an axis is 50 kgm 2 means the sum of the product of
mass and square of distance from the axis of each particle is 50 kgm 2.
35. Why the angular velocities are at all points of an electric fan same in comparison to rotatory axis?
Ans. All the points of the electric fan travel the distance at the same interval of time compared to rotatory
axis. So the angular velocities of an electric fan at all points are same.
36. Define Angular velocity (ω): Angular velocity of an object in circular motion is defined as the time rate of
change of its angular displacement.
angle traced ∆θ dθ
Angular velocity, ω = = lim =
time taken ∆t→0 ∆t dt
dθ
∴ Angular velocity, ω =
dt
Dimension: [MLT-1]
Units : Radians per second (rad.s–1) or Degree per second.
37. Relation between linear and angular velocity:
Let, a body moves with uniform circular motion of radius r.
Further, let linear velocity = v
Angular velocity = ω
Time period = T
In T sec angular displacement = 2π
2π
∴ angular velocity, ω =
T

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linear displacement 2πr
Again, linear velocity, v = = = ωr
time T
∴ v = ωr
v̅ = ω̅ x r̅
Its direction is the same as that of ∆θ. For anticlockwise rotation of the point object on the circular path, the direction
of ω, according to Right hand rule is along the axis of circular path directed upwards. For clockwise rotation
of the point object on the circular path, the direction of ω is along the axis of circular path directed downwards.
38. Angular acceleration (α) : Angular acceleration of an object in circular motion is defined as the time rate of
change of its angular velocity.
If ∆ω be the change in angular velocity of the object in time interval t and t + ∆t, while moving on a circular path,
then angular acceleration of the object will be

Units : rad. s–2

Dimension : [MLT–2]
39. Relation between linear and angular acceleration:
- Let, a body moves with non-uniform speed of radius r.
Further, let linear velocity = v
Angular velocity = ω
Linear acceleration = a
Angular acceleration = α
We know, v = ωr
dv dωr
Acceleration, a = = = αr
dt dt
∴ a = αr
a̅ = α
̅x r̅
40. Centripetal acceleration force:
When a body moves in a circular path about a point or axis, a force acts on it to keep in moving in the circular
path. The force is called the centripetal force. This force is directed inward towards the centre of the circle.

Let, the mass of the body = m;

Speed = v
Radius of the circle = r
Let, the body travels from A to B in short time interval dt.
Then, arc AB = vdt
Also, AB = rdθ
∴ rdθ = vdt
vdt
or, dθ =
r
The magnitude of the centripetal acceleration
change of velocity between A and B
a=
dt
change of velocity along AO
=
dt
vsindθ vdθ
= =
dt dt
v vdt
= .
dt r
v2
a=
r

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mv2
∴ centripetal force, F = ma =
r
41. "The glass is pierced if the bullet hits it, but in case of throwing a stone it is crashed" Explain.[J.B 16]
Ans. Due to different impulses of force the glass is pierced if the bullet hits it, but in case of throwing a stone

it is crashed. Impulse of force is the product of force and time the force acts. Here, time is very small; i.e., J =

F. t. The velocity of bullet is very high, so change in momentum is very high. For this reason, in the bullet
applied force is very high, as the time is very short. So the bullet is pierced. But in case of throwing stone,
change of momentum is small, so the glass is crashed.
42. Impulse of force is equal to the change of momentum— Explain.
Ans. Newton's second law of motion states, "The rate of change of momentum is directly proportional to the
applied force and takes place in the direction of the force." Let a body of mass m moving with a initial
velocity u be acted upon by a force F for a time t, changing its velocity to v from u in this time t.
Initial momentum of the body = mu
Final momentum of the body = mv
Time in which the change in momentum occurs = t
Change in momentum = mv  mu
Rate of change of momentum = (mv  mu) / t
By definition impulse = F × t (taking constant of proportionality as 1 by choice of units of force)
Therefore,
Impulse = F × t = mv  mu = change in momentum.
So impulse equals change in momentum.
43. What is the difference between elastic friction and inelastic friction?[D.B.-17]
Ans. Differences between elastic and inelastic collision are given below
Difference Elastic collision Inelastic collision
Kinetic energy conserved in this collision not conserved in this collision
Relative velocity Relative velocity has same magnitude but Relative velocities differ and fore and
opposite direction before be after the after the collision.
collision

44. Discuss the centripetal acceleration as a vector quantity.[R. B., 16]

Ans. When an object moves in a circular path & at a constant angular velocity relative to the center to its
  v2 
circular path, its acceleration is, a =2 r =  r2 r .Here, r is the radius vector or position vector of the
object with respect to that center point. From this equation we can notice direction of acceleration is
opposite of direction of radius vector, i.e, towards the center of the circular path. That's the centripetal
acceleration.
45. Why a road or a rail line is kept inclined in bending?-Explain.
Ans. In a circular road, the level of outer portion is raised above the level of inner part, so that the vehicles
while crossing such turn, the necessary centripetal force is provided to the vehicles to overcome any
eventuality on the road. This process of raising the level of outer part relative to the level of inner part is
known as banking of the road. For this outer side of the bond of a road is higher than the inner side.
46. Why cyclist has to bend at the turning? Explain.

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Ans. Cyclists bend at the turning in order to create centripetal force to move in the circular path. When a
cyclist crosses A turning, a centrifugal force acts on him & tries him, to deviate from the path. Hence to
counter this centripetal force that cancels the centrifugal force & keeps him on track.
47. The angular momentum remains fixed when torque is zero.
Ans. Newton's 3rd law for angular momentum is:  = Iw
Here, torque,  = 0 so , I  = 0
d d dL
Or, I dt = 0 Or, dt (I) = 0 Or, dt = 0
L = constant
 The angular momentum remains fixed when torque is zero.
48. Explain why banking is necessary in a curve road.[Ctg.B. 17]
Ans. The roads are banked on the turnings to provide the necessary centripetal force to keep the vehicle on
the track. In absence of this centripetal force a vehicle would move towards the tangential direction of the
curve due to inertia of motion. It may cause accidents. Banking on turnings or road curves are then
necessary to prevent this type of accidents.
49. Moment of inertia for different cases:
Case Moment of inertia
a uniform rod about the
perpendicular bisector

M 2l3 M
I = l x 24 = 12 l2

a uniform rod about a line

passing through the centre and
parallel to an edge M l3 M 2
I = l x3 = l
3

a circular ring about an axis

passing through the centre and
normal top the plan I = MR2

a circular ring about diameter

1
I = Mr 2
2

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a circular disc or cylinder about
an axis perpendicular to its MR2
plane passing through the centre I = 2

a circular disc or cylinder about

central diameter 1 1
𝐼 = 𝑀𝑅 2 + 𝑀𝐿2
4 12

a uniform solid sphere about its

axis
2
𝐼 = 𝑀𝑅 2
5

50. Though the magnitude and unit of work and torque same but they are different quantities – explain.
Ans. Work done is the product of force and displacement. To express it only magnitude is required. On the
other hand, torque is the product of position vector and the force acting on the object. To express it both
magnitude and direction is required. That is why, work is a scalar quantity and torque is a vector quantity in
spite of the same unit.
51. Radius of gyration w.r.t any axis is 0.9 m – explain.
𝐼
Ans. Radius of gyration, K = √ .
𝑀

So, radius of gyration 0.9 m w.r.t any axis means that moment of inertia of the object of mass is 0.81 kg m 2.
52. Angular kinetic energy of each particles of a rotating rigid body may be same but their linear velocity are
different – explain.
Ans. We know, angular kinetic energy is directly proportional to the square of angular velocity. Again linear
kinetic energy is directly proportional to the square of the velocity. When any object rotates about an axis
then it rotates uniformly. As there is no change in velocity so there is no change in kinetic energy. Again
when the object is moving about an axis then at different times different points linear velocity direction
remains different. So, linear velocity of the moving object remains different.
53. Why does a cricketer take his hand a bit back while taking catch?
𝑣
Ans. We know, F = m
𝑡
Here, the more the ‘t’ value the less the force. If the time is less then the force will be high. And due to action
reaction force ball will bump from the hand. So, to catch the ball properly time is allowed more and that is
why cricketer take his hand a bit back while taking catch.
54. When the acting torque on an object does becomes zero?
Ans. We know, torque, τ = r̅ X F̅ = rF sin θ. So the value of torque depends on radius vector, force and sin
angle. For any of these three value zero total torque will be zero.
55. A runner cannot run at uniform velocity in a circular track – why?
Ans.
56. If two objects attached with each other after collision then is the collision elastic”? Explain.

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Ans. Collision is elastic if after collision kinetic energy remains constant. When the twop object remains
attached after collision their relative velocity will be zero and as a result before and after collision kinetic
energy will not be remain same. So, the collision will be inelastic.
57. For which condition angular momentum of an object becomes zero?
Ans. We know, angular momentum, L = r̅ X p̅ = rp sin θ. So the value of angular momentum depends on
radius vector, momentum and sin angle. For any of these three value zero total torque will be zero. Even if
the linear momentum and radius vector are perpendicular then for any value of radius vector and
momentum angular momentum will be zero.
58. Work done by centripetal force is zero – explain.
Ans. The force that is necessary to keep an object moving in a curved path and that is directed inward
toward the centre of rotation is called centripetal force.
We know, Work done, W = F̅ X s̅ = 𝐹𝑆 cos 𝜃. For centripetal force angle between force and the displacement
is 900. And cos 900 = 0. So, work done by centripetal force is zero.
59. Write down the difference between mass and moment of inertia
Mass Moment of inertia
Total amount of any substance is called mass. The moment of inertia of a body with respect to an
axis is defined by the sum of the products of the
mass of each particle in the body and square of its
perpendicular distance from that axis.
Unit of mass is kg Unit of moment of inertia is kg-m2
60. Moment of inertia 50 kgm2 – explain.
Ans.
61. Gravitational force is conservative – explain.
Ans. If we through any object of mass m kg upward then the object will travel a height h against the gravity,
so work done will be negative and will be, W1 = – mgh. Again when the object will return, it will come
towards the gravity,. So, it will be positive work and W 2 = mgh. So, total work done will be W = W1 + W2 = -
mgh + mgh = 0. That is conservative.
So, gravitational force is conservative.
62. Frictional force is a non-conservative force – Explain.
Ans. Non conservative force is the force for which net work done is not zero. Frictional force is a non –
conservative force. Suppose, a box is pushed to the right at dx distance as shown in the diagram with a force
F1. So, work done will be – Fdx. As frictional force is always negative.

Again when the box is pushed again from right to left with the same force F then work done will be – Fdx.
So, total work done will be, W = -Fdx – Fdx ≠ 0.
So, frictional force is a non-conservative force.

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63. Show that kinetic energy of a rotating rigid body with a unit uniform angular velocity is
numerically equal to half of its moment of inertia.
Ans. Let a rigid body rotate about an axis at uniform angular velocity ω, let the body is composed of
particles of masses m1, m2, m3 ….. placed at distances r1,r2, r3 …… respectively from the axis. Let their
linear velocity are v1, v2, v3 ………
1 1
So, the kinetic energy for the particle of mass m1, k1 = 2m1v12= 2m1ω2r12
1 1
kinetic energy for the particle of mass m2, k2 = 2m2v22 = 2m2ω2r22
so, kinetic energy of the body
K = k1 + k2 + …….
1 1
= 2m1ω2r12 + 2m2ω2r22 + ……….
1
= 2 ∑(mr 2 )ω2
1
= 2I ω2
1
∴ kinetic energy of a rotating body = X moment of inertia X angular velocity 2
2
64. Show the relation between Torque, Moment of inertia and Angular acceleration.
Suppose an object is moving at angular velocity ω about an axis XY. Suppose the object is a combination of m1,
m2, m3 …… and distance from the axis are r1, r2, r3 ………
dω
Angular acceleration of each particle, α =
dt
dω
Then linear acceleration of particle m1 = r1
dt
dω
∴ force applies on the particle = mass X linear acceleration = m1r1
dt
dω dω
∴ Torque acting on the particle = Force X distance from the axis of rotation = m1r1 X r1 = m1r12
dt dt
dω dω
Similarly, for particles m2, m3 etc. torque will be m2r22 , m3r32 etc. respectively.
dt dt
dω dω dω
∴ total torque, τ = m1r12 + m2r22 + m3r32 ………….
dt dt dt
dω
= (m1r12 + m2r22 + m3r32 ………….)
dt
dω
=I
dt
=Iα
65. Relation between angular momentum and moment of inertia
Momentum due to rotational motion of any particle is called angular momentum. It is measured by the product of
the linear momentum and the perpendicular distance of the line of action from the axis of rotation.
Let a particle of mass m moving in a circular of radius r and at some instant the speed of the particle be v.

so its linear momentum,

p
̅ = mv̅
When the particle is at A its position vector is r̅ is along a radius and v̅ is along the tangent so that r̅ is
perpendicular to v̅. So the angular momentum of the particle w.r.t. the origin O is
L̅ = rX
̅ p̅
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Angular momentum is a vector quantity. Its magnitude is given as
L = rp sinθ
Where θ is the angle between r and p. Here particle rotates around a circular path about the centre of a circle.
θ = 900
L = rp = r (mv) = mr (rω) = mr2ω
So the angular momentum of the whole body about the axis is
L = ∑ mr 2 ω
L = Iω
So, the angular momentum is the product of its moment of inertia about the axis of rotation and its angular
velocity.
66. Gun goes backward when bullet is shoot – why?

Ans. Explain conservation law of momentum

67. Mud of moving car’s tyre splashes outward – Why?

Ans. Explain centripetal and centrifugal force.

68. Car’s speed remains written as 60 kmh-1 on a signboard at the banking of the road as cautionary word – why?
v2 v2
Ans. We know, tan θ = or, θ = tan-1
rg rg

It means to pass the bank of the road the car need to limit his speed at 60 kmh-1 with specific angle. If the
car’s speed is more than 60 kmh-1 without increasing the angle then he might deviate from the curved path.
69. With respect to rotational axis of electric fan angular velocity of all particle remains same – explain.

Ans.

70. For what condition of the force an object will remain in uniform speed? Explain.

Ans.

71. Explain the reason for not having torque in case of earth’s rotation.

Ans.

72. It is difficult to walk on the sand – explain.

Ans. Explain friction.

73. Reason for banking of the road:

When vehicles go through turnings, they travel along a nearly circular arc. So there must be some force which will
produce the required acceleration.
A cyclist travelling along a curved path bends his body with the cycle towards the centre of curvature and the
required centripetal force is produced.
Let a cyclist moving on a curved path.

Let, the weight of cyclist along with the cycle = mg

Speed = v
Reaction force by the road on the cycle = ̅R
Angle between R̅ and the vertical = θ
∴ The horizontal component of R is R sin θ

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and vertical component is R cos θ. R sin θ provides the necessary
centripetal force and R cos θ balances the weight mg.
2
mv
∴ R sin θ = ………………………….(i)
r

= mg ………………………….(ii)
R cosθ
Dividing (i) by (ii), we get
2
v
tan θ =
rg
2
-1v
θ = tan
rg

It follows that the angle through which cyclist should bend will be greater, if
i) The radius of the curve is small i.e. the curve is sharper
ii) The velocity of the cyclist is large.
For the same reasons, an ice skater or an aeroplane has to bend inwards, while taking a turn.

74. Exterior side of the road in case of banking is heighted than the interior side:
Ans. For getting a centripetal force cyclist bend towards the centre of circular path but it is not possible in case of
four wheelers.
Therefore, outer bed of the road is raised so that a vehicle moving on it gets automatically inclined towards the
centre.
In the figure (A) shown reaction R is resolved into two components, the component R cosθ balances weight of
vehicle
∴ Rcosθ= mg ……(i)
and the horizontal component R sin θ provides necessary centripetal force as it is directed towards centre of
desired circle
mv2
thus, R sin θ = …… (ii)
r
Dividing (ii) by (i)
v2
tan θ =
rg
v2 ω2 r vω
or, θ = tan-1 = tan-1 = tan-1 [As v = rω ]
rg g rg
If l = width of the road, h = height of the outer edge from the ground level then from the figure (B)
since θ is very small
From equation (iii), (iv) and (v)
v2 ω2 r vω h
tanθ = = = =
rg g rg l
So, the more the bank angle the more the height.
In banking of the road the exterior side is a bit higher than the interior side to provide the necessary
centripetal force so that the vehicles remain on the track. In absence of this centripetal force a vehicle would
move towards the tangential direction of the curve due to inertia of motion. It may cause accidents.
75.

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