USEMENT PARK PHYSICS: Will a Roller Coaster Stay on the Track?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the physics of roller coasters, specifically analyzing whether a roller coaster will stay on the track at the top of a loop if not mechanically secured. The roller coaster starts at a height of 50.0 meters with a speed of less than 1 meter per second and reaches a height of 35 meters at a speed of 17.1 meters per second. Key concepts include the conservation of energy and the forces acting on the coaster, particularly the net force and acceleration required to maintain contact with the track at the loop's apex.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of conservation of energy principles in physics
  • Familiarity with free body diagrams and force analysis
  • Knowledge of gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy equations
  • Basic concepts of acceleration and net force calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the conservation of mechanical energy in roller coasters
  • Learn how to create and interpret free body diagrams
  • Explore the relationship between speed, height, and gravitational force in circular motion
  • Investigate the effects of friction and air resistance on roller coaster dynamics
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, engineers, and amusement park designers interested in understanding the mechanics of roller coasters and the forces involved in maintaining safety and performance during rides.

JOJOKOY
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A roller coaster gets over the first hill of height 50.0 meters moving less than 1 meter per second. Then would it stay with the track if it were not mechanically held on to it at the top of the loop the loop. (The top of the loop the loop is 35 meters and it goes 17.1 meters per second at that height). Explain Why or Why Not?

I thought that it would stay with the track anyways because the net force is not great enough.
 
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JOJOKOY said:
A roller coaster gets over the first hill of height 50.0 meters moving less than 1 meter per second. Then would it stay with the track if it were not mechanically held on to it at the top of the loop the loop. (The top of the loop the loop is 35 meters and it goes 17.1 meters per second at that height). Explain Why or Why Not?
I thought that it would stay with the track anyways because the net force is not great enough.
What do you mean? Not great enough for what? How did you work this out? You can't just guess.

You have to determine the speed of the roller coaster at the top of the loop. How do you do that? (think conservation of energy and assume no losses due to friction or air).

Think of the forces on the roller coaster at the top of the loop. Do a free body diagram showing all the forces. What is the acceleration of the roller coaster at the top if it just makes it around the loop on its own? What provides that acceleration?

AM
 

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