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ExamsGATETechnical

A car having weight W is moving in the direction as shown in the figure. The center of gravity (CG) of the car is located at height h from the ground, midway between the front and rear wheels. The distance between the front and rear wheels is l. The acceleration of the car is a, and acceleration due to gravity is g. The reactions on the front wheels (R_f) and rear wheels (R_r) are given by

  1. R_f = R_r = W/2 - (W/g)(h/l)a
  2. R_f = W/2 + (W/g)(h/l)a; R_r = W/2 - (W/g)(h/l)a
  3. R_f = W/2 - (W/g)(h/l)a; R_r = W/2 + (W/g)(h/l)a
  4. R_f = R_r = W/2 + (W/g)(h/l)a

Correct answer: R_f = W/2 - (W/g)(h/l)a; R_r = W/2 + (W/g)(h/l)a

Solution

The correct option reflects the distribution of forces on the front and rear wheels due to the car's acceleration. As the car accelerates, the weight shifts towards the rear, decreasing the load on the front wheels and increasing it on the rear wheels, which is accurately represented in the equations.

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