What Forces are Responsible for a Car's Centripetal Acceleration?

Centripetal Force

Centripetal force is the force that acts toward the center of the circle to keep an object moving in a circular path. In this case, the centripetal force is provided by the frictional force acting on the tires from the road surface. The frictional force helps the car maintain its trajectory around the curve.

Normal Force

The normal force is the force exerted by a surface to support the weight of an object resting on it. In the context of the car rounding the curve, the normal force is perpendicular to the road surface and helps counterbalance the car's weight.

Weight of the Car

The weight of the car is the force exerted by gravity on the car, directed downwards. While not directly contributing to the centripetal acceleration, the car's weight is one of the forces acting on the vehicle as it navigates the curve.

In summary, the centripetal acceleration experienced by a car in circular motion is sustained by the centripetal force provided by the frictional force between the tires and the road surface, supported by the normal force and counterbalanced by the car's weight.