Curves

As a result of the angle of a curve and the physics of centripetal force, which always works toward the center of a circle, a certain speed exists for which driving in a curve is ideal. Essentially, at this speed a person could drive smoothly without needing to press on the gas or the brakes, as long as he/she exerts an initial force while going into the turn.

How Sharp is Too Sharp?

Although we may not think about it, the roads on which we drive are an application of physics. When they have to calculate the maximum degree until which a curve is safe for a car to make, engineers need to consider friction. Friction is defined as the resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another. It is what allows people to walk forward and cars to drive onward; without it, we would all remain in the same place, regardless of how much we tried to move. Engineers also use this concept when deciding on a safe maximum speed at which cars should drive (speed limit).