Where is the normal force located on a rollercoaster loop?

In summary, the normal force on a rollercoaster loop is located at the bottom of the loop where the rollercoaster car is moving upwards. This force acts perpendicular to the track and is responsible for keeping the car and its passengers in the loop. As the car moves through the loop, the normal force decreases and eventually becomes zero at the top of the loop, allowing the car to continue its path. The normal force is essential for ensuring the safety and stability of a rollercoaster ride.
  • #1
JimmyRay
89
0
Hi I have to draw a freebody diagram for FN (normal force) of an object at different locations on my rollercoaster.

Where would FN be located when the object is upside down (going through a loop) ... would it just be straight down? (like gravity) ? Because FN is always perpendicular to the surface, so when the object is at the top of a loop on my roller coaster, FN would be straight down wouldn't it? And Ff would be straight up? And gravity is always down...
 
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  • #2
The force of friction is against the direction of the roller coaster's motion.

Gravity is always down, and the normal force at the top of the loop, would indeed be straight down.

Check this out...

http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/phys/mmedia/circmot/rcd.html
 
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  • #3
Oh my god... thank you soooooooooo much
 
  • #4
You are welcome :-D Sometimes google gives pretty good answers too, but it helps to know what to look for.
 

1. What is the direction of the normal force?

The normal force is always perpendicular to the surface that an object is in contact with. This means that it is always pointing directly away from the surface.

2. Does the normal force always act in the same direction?

Yes, the normal force always acts in the direction perpendicular to the surface, regardless of the orientation or movement of the object.

3. How is the direction of the normal force determined?

The direction of the normal force is determined by the surface that the object is in contact with. It is a result of the surface pushing back on the object with an equal and opposite force.

4. Can the normal force change direction?

Yes, the direction of the normal force can change if the orientation of the surface changes. For example, if an object is on a curved surface, the normal force will change direction as the object moves along the surface.

5. What happens if the normal force is not perpendicular to the surface?

If the normal force is not perpendicular to the surface, it can be broken down into components that are perpendicular and parallel to the surface. The perpendicular component will still act as the normal force, while the parallel component will contribute to the friction force between the object and the surface.

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