Chapter 10, Problem 36A

A motorcyclist is able to ride on the vertical wall of a bowl-shaped track, as shown. Does centripetal force or centrifugal force act on the motorcycle? Defend your answer.

To determine

The force that acts on the motorcycle when the motorcyclist is able to ride on the vertical wall of a bowl-shaped track.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

When a body moves in a circular motion, centripetal force exerts on it in the direction towards the center of the circular path along the radius. Centrifugal force is a pseudo force that acts on the body moving in a circular path in the direction opposite to the center of the circular path.

A motorcyclist is able to ride on the vertical wall of a bowl-shaped track because of the centripetal force which exerts towards the center of the track. The normal force balances the centripetal force. The weight of the motorcycle is balanced by the frictional force between the tires and the track. There is no net force acting outwards which would push the motorcyclist off the track.

Conclusion:

Thus, a centripetal force acts on the motorcycle which keeps the motorcyclist on the track.