Bead and loop-the-loop: normal force?

In summary, the conversation discusses the normal force on a bead sliding around a loop-the-loop and its existence in relation to the bead's contact with the track. It is determined that the normal force is necessary for circular motion and increases with speed, indicating contact between the bead and track. The conversation also addresses the possibility of the bead not touching the track at high speeds.
  • #1
Physicist
43
0
Bead and loop-the-loop: normal force??

Homework Statement



A bead sliding around a loop the loop. Given its mass and speed at the top of the loop, we want the normal force on it.

Homework Equations



mv^2/r = mg + N

The Attempt at a Solution



I have the correct solution that the normal will be downward. My question is from what would this normal force exist? I mean if the bead has a hole that the track is passing through, how can we understand normal force (that comes from the contact between the bead and the track).??

Thank you
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Say the hole in the bead was oversized, you know, the track might be 1 cm diameter wire, but the hole in the bead is 2cm. Do you think that the bead stays in contact with the track at the edge of the hole interface, or does it pass through it without the edges of the hole touching the rail?
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Maybe if it is moving with a hight speed it not touch the rail.

Do you mean that the normal force here is a result of circular motionand is different from the normal exerted by, say, a table on a book that placed on it??
 
  • #4
Yes, the normal force is necessary in order to keep the bead moving in a circle. But you're wrong about the bead not touching at high speed, the greater the speed, the greater the normal force, so there must be contact.
 
  • #5
got it..

Thanks
 

1. What is the normal force in the context of a bead and loop-the-loop?

The normal force in the context of a bead and loop-the-loop is the force exerted by the track on the bead in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the track. It is responsible for keeping the bead on the track as it moves through the loop-the-loop.

2. How does the normal force change as the bead moves through the loop-the-loop?

The normal force changes as the bead moves through the loop-the-loop due to changes in the direction of motion and the curvature of the track. At the bottom of the loop, the normal force is at its maximum as the bead is moving upwards and the track is curved. As the bead moves up the loop, the normal force decreases until it reaches zero at the top of the loop. As the bead moves down the other side of the loop, the normal force increases again.

3. How does the normal force affect the speed of the bead in the loop-the-loop?

The normal force plays a crucial role in determining the speed of the bead in the loop-the-loop. Without a sufficient normal force, the bead will not have enough centripetal force to maintain its circular motion and will fall off the track. The normal force also helps to increase the speed of the bead as it moves down the other side of the loop-the-loop.

4. What factors can affect the normal force in a bead and loop-the-loop?

The normal force in a bead and loop-the-loop can be affected by several factors, including the mass of the bead, the speed of the bead, and the radius and curvature of the track. Additionally, any external forces acting on the bead, such as friction or air resistance, can also impact the normal force.

5. How can the normal force be calculated in a bead and loop-the-loop?

The normal force can be calculated using Newton's second law, which states that the sum of all forces acting on an object equals its mass times its acceleration. In the case of a bead and loop-the-loop, this would mean setting the force of gravity equal to the normal force plus the centripetal force. The normal force can also be calculated using the equation N = mv^2/r, where N is the normal force, m is the mass of the bead, v is its speed, and r is the radius of the loop-the-loop.

Similar threads

Would a marble need the same speed as a car at the bottom of a vertical loop?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
Bead sliding along wire with constant horizontal velocity -- Shape of wire?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
238
Momentum and energy conservation in a vertical loop
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
2K
Understanding the Minimum Speed to Keep Carriage on Tracks in a Loop
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
Loop problem with skier on ramp going into a loop-the-loop
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
933
Loop the Loop Problem Solution | N > 0, Energy Conservation Method
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
Period of Oscillations near equator
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
What is the induced magnetic force on this closed current loop?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
186
Conservation of Energy problem
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
2 beads sliding down on a ring
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top