The curved section of a horizontal highway is a circular unbanked arc of radius 740 m.If the coefficient of static friction between this roadway and typical tires is 0.40,what would be the maximum safe driving speed for this horizontal curved section of highway?
A)54 m/s
B)52 m/s
C)50 m/s
D)48 m/s
E)46 m/s

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The maximum safe driving speed on a horizontal curved section of a highway can be calculated using the formula for centripetal force and the maximum frictional force available due to static friction. The formula for the maximum velocity ($v_{max}$) in a circular turn on a level road is given by $v_{max} = \sqrt{\mu_s \cdot g \cdot r}$, where $\mu_s$ is the coefficient of static friction, $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately $9.8 m/s^2$), and $r$ is the radius of the curve. Plugging in the given values: $v_{max} = \sqrt{0.40 \cdot 9.8 \cdot 740}$, we find that $v_{max} \approx 54 m/s$.

The Curved Section of a Horizontal Highway Is a Circular