Normal Force of a skateboarder at the bottom of a circular ramp

In summary, the problem involves a skateboarder on a circular arc track with a radius of 3.75 m. The skateboarder, weighing 47.0 kg, starts from rest at the top of the arc and the question is asking for the normal force at the bottom. The conversation discusses using conservation of energy and the equation F=mv^2/r, but there is uncertainty about how to factor in the weight of the skateboarder in the force equation.
  • #1
map7s
146
0
A skateboard track has the form of a circular arc with a 3.75 m radius. A 47.0 kg skateboarder starts from rest at the top of the circular arc. What is the normal force exerted on the skateboarder at the bottom of the circular arc?
I tried using conservation of energy to solve for v
mgh=1/2 mv^2
and then I tried plugging that in for F=mv^2/r but it didn't work. How are you supposed to do this problem?
 
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  • #2
The weight of the skateboarder is also part of the normal force.
 
  • #3
So how do I factor that in with the other force equation?
 

1. What is the "normal force" in relation to a skateboarder on a circular ramp?

The normal force is the force exerted by the surface of the ramp on the skateboarder. It is always perpendicular to the surface and prevents the skateboarder from falling through the ramp.

2. How does the normal force change as the skateboarder moves down the circular ramp?

The normal force at the bottom of the ramp is equal to the weight of the skateboarder. As the skateboarder moves down the ramp, the normal force decreases due to the decrease in the angle of the ramp and the decrease in the component of the weight acting perpendicular to the surface.

3. Does the normal force have any effect on the speed of the skateboarder?

The normal force does not directly affect the speed of the skateboarder. However, it does affect the skateboarder's ability to maintain their speed and prevent them from slipping or falling off the ramp.

4. Is the normal force the only force acting on the skateboarder on the circular ramp?

No, there are other forces acting on the skateboarder such as gravity, friction, and the force of the skateboarder's muscles. However, the normal force is the only force that acts perpendicular to the surface of the ramp.

5. How does the normal force on a circular ramp compare to that on a flat surface?

The normal force on a circular ramp is greater than that on a flat surface, as the skateboarder's weight is distributed over a smaller area. This allows for greater stability and prevents the skateboarder from slipping or falling off the ramp.

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