Circular momentum - Loop-the-loop question.

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a loop-the-loop scenario where a cart must achieve a minimum speed to safely complete the loop. The subject area pertains to circular motion and centripetal acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses uncertainty about how to begin solving the problem after calculating the displacement. Some participants suggest focusing on the relationship between centripetal acceleration and gravitational force at the highest point of the loop.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the conditions required for the cart to maintain motion through the loop, particularly the balance between centripetal acceleration and gravitational force. There is a productive exchange regarding the implications of these forces at the highest point of the loop.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has provided the radius of the loop but has not specified additional constraints or parameters that may affect the problem, such as the mass of the cart or frictional forces.

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Homework Statement



A loop-the-loop machine has radius 18m. What is the minimum speed at which a cart must travel so that it will safely loop the loop?

Homework Equations



centripetal acceleration: v^2/r
velocity=(2r*pi)/t
Perhaps more?



The Attempt at a Solution



To be honest, my main problem is that I'm not really sure where to start. I calculated the displacement a cart must travel, i.e. the circumference of the diameter, but I don't know what to do next..
 
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You want gravity to be nullified by centripetal acceleration when car is at highest point.
 
Ah. You mean that when it is at the highest point, the centriputal acceleration will have the same magnitude and direction as gravity and thus, we can deduce that the centriputal acceleration is 9.8ms^-2?
 
That's it.
 

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