Railway engineering and circular motion: Why tracks are banked on curves? Banking reduces reliance on lateral friction and safely provides the centripetal force for turning at speed. Choose the correct option.
IIT JEE
Physics
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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ATo provide the necessary centripetal force (reduce lateral friction needs)
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BTo improve drainage on the track
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CTo reduce sound/noise generation
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DTo decrease fuel consumption on straights
Answer
Correct Answer: To provide the necessary centripetal force (reduce lateral friction needs)
Explanation
Concept
- On curves, a component of the normal reaction from a banked track supplies part/all of the required centripetal force.
- This allows higher safe speeds without excessive side friction or risk of derailment.
Final AnswerTo provide the necessary centripetal force (reduce lateral friction needs)