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NEET PHYSICSMedium

A car sometimes overturns while taking a turn. When it overturns, it is:

A

the inner wheel which leaves the ground first.

B

the outer wheel which leaves the ground first.

C

both the wheels leave the ground simultaneously.

D

either wheel leaves the ground first.

Step-by-Step Solution

  1. Analyze Forces and Torque: When a car negotiates a curve, it experiences a necessary centripetal force (provided by friction) acting inwards at the level of the tires. In the frame of reference of the car, a 'centrifugal force' acts outwards at the center of mass.
  2. Rotational Equilibrium: This outward centrifugal force creates a torque that tends to rotate the car outwards (away from the center of the turn). To counteract this and maintain rotational equilibrium [Source 67], the normal reaction on the outer wheels increases, and the normal reaction on the inner wheels decreases.
  3. Condition for Overturning: As the speed increases, the required centripetal force and the resulting overturning torque increase. The car begins to overturn when the restoring torque provided by the weight is insufficient. At this critical point, the normal reaction on the inner wheel drops to zero, causing it to lose contact with the ground first.
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