Banking of Roads

Why can cars take turns faster on a banked road? Explore the forces at play.

The Purpose of Banking

On a flat road, the centripetal force needed to make a turn is supplied entirely by friction. By banking the road, the Normal Force now has a horizontal component that provides additional centripetal force, allowing for higher speeds and reducing reliance on friction.

Key Forces

Gravity (Weight): Always acts straight down.
Normal Force: Acts perpendicular to the road surface. Its horizontal component helps you turn.
Friction: Acts parallel to the road surface to prevent the car from sliding.

Turn Conditions

Bank Angle (θ): 15.0°

Car Speed (v): 20.0 m/s

Friction Coeff. (μ): 0.70

Live Status

Ideal Speed (No Friction): 0.0 m/s

Min Safe Speed: 0.0 m/s

Max Safe Speed: 0.0 m/s

Ready