Circular motion comparisons question

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the physics of circular motion, specifically analyzing the forces acting on a bus moving over a hill and through a dip with the same radius of curvature. When the bus is at the crest of the hill, the normal force exerted by the road is 3/4 of its weight (Fg). At the bottom of the dip, the normal force increases to 5/4 Fg due to the centripetal acceleration required for circular motion. This relationship is derived from the net force equation netF=ma, where acceleration (a) is constant in both scenarios but directed oppositely.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with circular motion concepts
  • Knowledge of normal force and gravitational force
  • Ability to apply the equation netF=ma in circular motion contexts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between centripetal acceleration and net force in circular motion
  • Explore examples of forces acting on objects in circular paths
  • Learn about the implications of varying normal forces in different scenarios
  • Investigate the effects of mass and speed on normal force calculations
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and circular motion, as well as educators looking for examples to illustrate the concepts of forces and motion.

jakeinater

Homework Statement


A bus of weight Fg is moving at a constant speed over a hill and then over a dip that has the same radius of curvature, when the bus passes over the crest of the hill, the road exerts a normal force on the bus equal to 3/4 Fg. What is the normal force the road exerts on the bus when it is passing through the bottom of the dip

Homework Equations


netF=ma a=v^2/r

The Attempt at a Solution


I have stared at this question for an hour and don't even know where to start, the answer is 5/4 Fg which seems simple but I don't know how they got that. First post so sorry for any formatting errors.[/B]
 
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Hint: The acceleration of the bus is the same in both cases, but in opposite directions, since the velocity and radius are the same. How does the weight, normal force, and acceleration relate to each other?
 
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