Calculating Minimum Speed at Top of Vertical Loop

AI Thread Summary
To determine the maximum energy lost to friction for a roller coaster car to successfully navigate a vertical loop, one must calculate the minimum speed required at the top of the loop. Given the mass of the car (330 kg), initial speed (23.4 m/s), and loop radius (6.85 m), the normal force at the loop's peak is crucial for this calculation. The work-energy theorem can be applied to relate the initial kinetic energy, potential energy at the top of the loop, and energy lost to friction. Understanding these principles will guide the solution to the problem effectively.
SamLing2000
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Homework Statement


A 330 kg roller coaster car sits on a horizontal track. Ahead of it is a vertical loop with radius of 6.85 m. The car is given an initial speed of 23.4 m/s and the car successfully traverses the loop. What is the maximum amount of energy taken away from the car by friction so that the car successfully travels through the loop? (Hint: think about the normal force that the track exerts on the car at the top of the loop, this should give you a minimum speed at the top of the loop.)

m=330
vo = 23.4
r=6.85

Homework Equations


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The Attempt at a Solution


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I am sorry but I have no clue as to how to approach this problem. Please point me in the right direction, hints and suggestions are extremely welcome.
I also find a Hint for the problem but i wasn't able to make as much use of this one as I thought.
(Hint: think about the normal force that the track exerts on the car at the top of the loop, this should give you a minimum speed at the top of the loop
 
Last edited:
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Any help is appreicated.
 
Have you learned about work-energy theorem?
 

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