Question

A car sometimes overturns while taking a turn. When it overturns, it is
A. The inner wheel which leaves the ground first
B. The outer wheel which leaves the ground first
C. Both the wheels leave the ground simultaneously
D. Either wheel which leaves the ground first

Answer 1

The overturn of the car depends upon the maximum allowed speed while turning. So, which one has the maximum speed leaves the ground after and the second leaves the ground after the first one.
Formula used:
Maximum allowed speed for vehicle while turning:
${V_{\max }} = \sqrt {\mu rg}$

Complete answer:
Consider a situation as shown below, a vehicle of mass M is moving at a speed v making a turn on the circular path of radius r. So the external forces acting on the vehicle are
Weight of the vehicle, Mg
Normal force, N
Friction, ${f_s}$

If the road is horizontal, the normal force N is vertically upwards. The only horizontal force that can act towards the center is the friction ${f_s}$. This is static friction and self-adjustable.

As we know that the overturn depends upon the maximum allowed speed of the vehicle during turning:
So, ${V_{\max }} = \sqrt {\mu rg}$
And the radius of the turn for the inner wheel is less and the radius of turn for the outer wheel is large.
Therefore, the maximum speed of innerwheel is also less than for the outer wheel. Thus, the inner wheel leaves the ground first.

So, the correct answer is “Option A”.

Additional Information:
Generally, the perfect speed at the apex of a right turn is $10 - 15{\text{ }}MPH$. the perfect speed within the middle of a left turn is typically $15 - 20{\text{ }}MPH$. the perfect turn speed will vary counting on the width of the road, degree of the turn and weather, but the speeds stated above are going to be accurate about $85 - 90\%$ of the time.

Note:
When you drive your car through a corner too fast, you set extra strain on your tires, suspension, steering, brakes, and other parts. You will not just wear out your tires more quickly. And when someone turns the vehicle on the speed greater than the maximum speed allowed then there will be risk that his vehicle may slip or flip while taking a turn.