Q185 / 200 · MHT CET - Medical 2026 (21 April Shift 1) · Physics
If a road is banked at an angle $\theta$, and the cyclist is leaning inward at an angle $\theta'$ to the vertical, for an ideal turn at the optimum speed, what is the relationship between the angles?
- A$\theta' > \theta$
- B$\theta' < \theta$
- C$\theta'$ is always $90^\circ$
- Correct answerD$\theta' = \theta$
Solution
For an ideal turn at the optimum speed on a banked road, no frictional force is required. The necessary centripetal force is provided entirely by the horizontal component of the normal force.
The optimum speed $v$ for a road banked at an angle $\theta$ is given by:
$\tan \theta = \dfrac{v^2}{rg}$
When a cyclist takes a turn of radius $r$ at speed $v$, they must lean inward at an angle $\theta'$ to the vertical such that the net force passes through their center of mass. This angle of lean is given by:
$\tan \theta' = \dfrac{v^2}{rg}$
Equating the two expressions, we get:
$\tan \theta' = \tan \theta$
$\Rightarrow \theta' = \theta$
Thus, the cyclist aligns their body along the normal to the banked road.
Answer: $\theta' = \theta$
The optimum speed $v$ for a road banked at an angle $\theta$ is given by:
$\tan \theta = \dfrac{v^2}{rg}$
When a cyclist takes a turn of radius $r$ at speed $v$, they must lean inward at an angle $\theta'$ to the vertical such that the net force passes through their center of mass. This angle of lean is given by:
$\tan \theta' = \dfrac{v^2}{rg}$
Equating the two expressions, we get:
$\tan \theta' = \tan \theta$
$\Rightarrow \theta' = \theta$
Thus, the cyclist aligns their body along the normal to the banked road.
Answer: $\theta' = \theta$
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'D'.