What direction does friction force act on a roller coaster at the top of a loop?

In summary, there was confusion about the direction of frictional force on a roller coaster when it reaches the top of a loop. It was clarified that the friction force will be opposite of the direction the object is traveling in, which is either +x or -x depending on the coordinates. The object will be moving horizontally on top of the loop and there is no vertical component to its velocity.
  • #1
JimmyRay
89
0
lol... sorry for posting again but now I am confused about frictional force on my roller coaster...

When an object reaches the top of the loop of a roller coaster, what direction is it traveling in? Friction force will be opposite of that direction... At the exact top of the roller coaster, the surface is not curved correct? It's straight, and so will the object be traveling straight up (y direction) or straight horzinatal (x direction) ...
 
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  • #2
Your coaster is moving forward, tangent to the curve. In your case, either +x or -x, depending on how your coordinates are set up. There is no vertical component to your velocity on top, just horizontal ones...
 
  • #3
thats right, thank you :)
 

1. What is the direction of frictional force?

The direction of frictional force is always opposite to the direction of motion or tendency of motion. This means that it acts in the opposite direction to the force that is trying to cause motion.

2. How does the direction of frictional force affect an object's motion?

The direction of frictional force can either help or hinder an object's motion. If the frictional force is in the same direction as the object's motion, it can slow it down. If the frictional force is in the opposite direction, it can help the object move in the desired direction.

3. Is the direction of frictional force always constant?

No, the direction of frictional force can change depending on the surface and the conditions. For example, if the surface is not smooth, the direction of frictional force may vary as the object moves.

4. How does the angle of incline affect the direction of frictional force?

When an object is on an inclined surface, the direction of frictional force changes. It acts parallel to the surface and in the opposite direction to the object's motion. The steeper the incline, the greater the frictional force will be.

5. Can the direction of frictional force be controlled?

The direction of frictional force cannot be controlled directly, but it can be influenced by changing the surface or conditions. For example, adding lubrication can reduce the frictional force and change its direction. However, the overall direction will still be opposite to the object's motion.

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