I am really confused on the steps to solve this problem. This is my first time taking physics. The much needed help, would be strongly appreciated.

a) Calculate the centripetal force exerted on a vehicle of mass m = 1630 kg that is moving at a speed of 13.9 m/s around a curve of radius R = 385 m.

b) Which force plays the role of the centripetal force in this case?
a- force of static friction
b- spring force
c- gravitational force
d- normal force
e- tension force

m v^2/r

= 1630 * (13.9)^2/385

b)
I do not know what is holding your vehicle in the circle !!!!
If on a string - tension force
If held in a big cylinderical rotating can (carnival ride) - normal force
If on a flat curving road - friction on the tires
If in orbit in space - gravitational force
If on a spring - spring force
If on a banked road banked correctly for this speed - normal force

Thank you so much.

No problem! I understand that physics can be challenging at first. Let's break down the problem step by step:

a) To calculate the centripetal force exerted on the vehicle, we can use the centripetal force formula: Fc = (mv^2)/R.

Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Identify the given values:
- Mass of the vehicle (m) = 1630 kg
- Speed of the vehicle (v) = 13.9 m/s
- Radius of the curve (R) = 385 m

Step 2: Plug the values into the centripetal force formula:
Fc = (1630 kg) × (13.9 m/s)^2 / 385 m

Step 3: Calculate the centripetal force:
Fc = 1630 kg × 193.21 m^2/s^2 / 385 m
Fc = 163,000 N

Therefore, the centripetal force exerted on the vehicle is 163,000 Newtons.

b) Now let's identify the force that plays the role of the centripetal force:

The centripetal force is the force that keeps an object moving in a curved path. It always acts towards the center of the circular path. In this case, the only force on the car that can act towards the center of the curve is the force of static friction (option a).

So the correct answer is a- force of static friction.

I hope this explanation helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.