Bank Curve Problem: Normal Force on Moving Car

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the dynamics of a car moving on a banked curve, specifically focusing on the relationship between normal force, weight, and centripetal force. Participants explore the components of these forces and their directions in the context of free body diagrams.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the normal force is a component of weight or if weight is a component of normal force.
  • There is a discussion about the direction of centripetal force, with some asserting it points towards the center of the circular track, while others suggest it may be directed towards the axis.
  • Participants propose drawing free body diagrams to visualize the forces acting on the car, noting that weight acts downward and centripetal force acts horizontally.
  • One participant expresses confusion about the relationship between normal force and centripetal force, suggesting that if normal force is perpendicular to the track, it cannot provide the necessary centripetal force.
  • There are corrections regarding the direction of centripetal force, with some insisting it is horizontal towards the center of the track.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the relationship between normal force, weight, and centripetal force. Multiple competing views remain regarding the directions and components of these forces.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the definitions and directions of forces involved, particularly in relation to free body diagrams and the geometry of the banked curve.

oreo
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Is normal force on moving car on a track a component of weight or vice versa.
 
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Because the centripetal force is aiming in the direction of x-axis ,, The Normal Force would be resolved into to components one is equal to the weight of the moving object
 
It means that weight is component of normal force. Is centripetal force directed towards center of circle or towards the axis because these are two different cases.
 
If you draw a free body diagram of this problem what would you have ,,

the Mg lies on the negative y-axis pointing toward the center of Earth , the centripetal force is pointing toward either positive x-axis or negative x-axis [horizontal plane] , And the normal force would have an angel with the x-axis [which will be resolved into components]
 
Maged Saeed said:
If you draw a free body diagram of this problem what would you have ,,

the Mg lies on the negative y-axis pointing toward the center of Earth , the centripetal force is pointing toward either positive x-axis or negative x-axis [horizontal plane] , And the normal force would have an angel with the x-axis [which will be resolved into components]
I want to ask that is centripetal force acting towards the center of circular track or towards its central axis(x direction)
 
To the center of the circle NOT to the center of the x-direction ,, I didn't mean that ,,

:D
 
Maged Saeed said:
To the center of the circle NOT to the center of the x-direction ,, I didn't mean that ,,

:D
If it is then the normal force is perpendicular to the track ( ie perpendicular to centripetal force) then it would have no component providing the requisite force. Here is the figure in photo.
 

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Actually what you have drawn is somehow mistaken , The centripetal force direction is a horizontal line from the moving object to the center of the circular track ,,
See this picture ,,
20150104_000706.jpg
 
Maged Saeed said:
Actually what you have drawn is somehow mistaken , The centripetal force direction is a horizontal line from the moving object to the center of the circular track ,,
See this picture ,,
View attachment 77201
That was I wanted to confirm
You had first said that it is towards center but if it is so then the normal force would be at right angle to centripetal force as I drew but the figure you drew confirms that it is towards the axis. I took direction of normal force as y- axis.
 
  • #10
Okay ,, The picture implies my point And sorry for my English
(:
 
  • #11
Maged Saeed said:
Okay ,, The picture implies my point And sorry for my English
:)
Thank you for helping me. We done it together.
 
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