At various times in the news it has been reported that certain vehicles are susceptible to rolling over. The physical mechanism that is responsible for rollovers is
A) Frictional torques about the driver only.
B) Frictional torques from the tricycle on the road acting below the road's center of mass.
C) Frictional torques from the road on the tricycle about its center of mass, which is below the rider.
D) Strong air currents simply blowing the system over.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct mechanism for vehicle rollovers involves frictional torques from the road on the vehicle (in this case, a tricycle) about its center of mass. If the center of mass is high or if the vehicle takes a turn too quickly, the frictional force can create a torque that tips the vehicle over. This is why a lower center of mass in vehicles is often associated with better stability and less risk of rollover. Choices A, B, and D do not accurately describe the physics behind vehicle rollovers.

At Various Times in the News It Has Been Reported