A car rounds a flat curve of radius 50 m with a speed of 20 m/s. What is the minimum coefficient of static friction between the tires and the road that allows the car to navigate the curve without slipping?

Core Concept

For a car moving in a circular path on a flat surface, the centripetal force is provided by friction. The maximum static friction force is μ_s * N, where N is the normal force (equal to mg on a flat surface). Setting the centripetal force equal to the maximum friction force: mv²/r = μ_s * mg. Solving for μ_s: μ_s = v²/(rg) = (20)²/(50 * 9.8) = 0.80. Option A is half the correct value, option C is 1.5 times the correct value, and option D is 2.5 times the correct value.