What is the direction of centrifugal force when navigating a curve?

When navigating a curve, centrifugal force appears to push the vehicle outward, away from the center of the curve. This phenomenon occurs due to inertia, which is the tendency of an object to maintain its state of motion. As a vehicle turns, its inertia causes it to resist the change in direction, manifesting as a force that pushes it outward.

This outward force is critical for understanding vehicle dynamics during turning maneuvers. Drivers need to account for the effect of centrifugal force, as it can lead to a loss of traction if the vehicle is traveling too fast for the conditions or the curve itself. Proper adjustments in speed and steering technique can help manage the impact of this force, ensuring that the vehicle remains stable and under control while navigating turns.