Forces on roller coaster doing a loop

In summary, at the top of a roller coaster loop, we only feel the normal force, which is the same as the centripetal force. The normal force is provided by the roller coaster seat pushing towards the center of the loop, while the force of gravity, or weight, acts downwards. The centripetal force is a term used for any force that acts towards the center of a circular motion, and in this case, both the normal force and weight act towards the -y axis.
  • #1
UrbanXrisis
1,196
1
When a roller coster does a loop, what forces do we feel at the top of the loop?

I think it's only the normal force. There is MG acting downwards, and also the normal force of the rollercoster seat that is pushing towards the center of the coster.

Is this normal force the same as the centripetal force?
 
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  • #2
Are you saying that we only "feel" the net force. From the wording of the question, "what forces", I would think they wanted you to give all forces. There is a force of gravity, mg, straight down, that is the centripetal force. There is one other force you may be forgetting.
 
  • #3
force of gravity and normal force? they both act downwards right?
 
  • #4
Remember, that centripetal force is a role given to forces (or components of these forces) that act towards the center, on the case the rollercoaster is upside down on the tope of the loop, both the normal and the weight point to the -y axis.
 

What is the physics behind the forces on a roller coaster doing a loop?

The forces on a roller coaster doing a loop are governed by the principles of Newton's Laws of Motion. The roller coaster's acceleration is caused by the net force acting on it, which is a combination of the roller coaster's weight and the normal force from the track. As the roller coaster enters the loop, it experiences a change in direction, causing a centripetal force to act towards the center of the loop. This centripetal force is provided by the normal force from the track.

What are the main forces that act on a roller coaster during a loop?

The main forces acting on a roller coaster during a loop are the normal force and the gravitational force. The normal force, which is perpendicular to the track, provides the necessary centripetal force for the roller coaster to maintain its circular motion. The gravitational force, which is always directed downwards, provides the roller coaster's weight and affects its speed and acceleration.

How does the speed of a roller coaster affect the forces during a loop?

The speed of a roller coaster affects the forces during a loop in two ways. Firstly, a higher speed means a greater centripetal force is required to keep the roller coaster in a circular motion. This means that the normal force from the track must also increase. Secondly, a higher speed means a greater gravitational force acting on the roller coaster, which can affect its acceleration and the sensation of weightlessness experienced by riders.

Why is the shape of a roller coaster loop important in determining the forces on it?

The shape of a roller coaster loop is important because it determines the amount of centripetal force required for the roller coaster to maintain its circular motion. A perfectly circular loop would require a constant normal force, while a teardrop-shaped loop would require a varying normal force. The shape also affects the sensation of weightlessness experienced by riders, as well as the speed and acceleration of the roller coaster.

What safety precautions are taken to ensure the forces on a roller coaster during a loop are within safe limits?

Roller coasters are designed with safety as a top priority, and many precautions are taken to ensure the forces on the roller coaster during a loop are within safe limits. These precautions include careful design and engineering, regular maintenance and inspections, and the use of safety restraints to keep riders securely in their seats. Computer simulations and physical tests are also conducted to ensure that the forces experienced by riders during a loop are safe and enjoyable.

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