Calculating Speed in Circular Motion: A Roller Coaster Conundrum

Click For Summary
To determine the speed of the roller coaster cart at a quarter loop from the highest point, the conservation of energy principle is essential. The cart's potential energy at the highest point converts to kinetic energy as it descends. At the highest point, the cart has both potential energy and kinetic energy, while at the center of the loop, its potential energy decreases, increasing its kinetic energy. By applying the conservation of energy equations, the speed at that point can be calculated. Understanding circular motion and using a free-body diagram can further clarify the forces acting on the cart.
fightboy
Messages
25
Reaction score
0
A 400kg roller coaster cart travels along the inside of a vertical circular track of radius 10 m. At its highest point it moves at 20 m/s. Friction between the cart and track is negligible.
Find the cart's speed one quarter of a loop later (when it's at the same height as the loop's center).
I know there is radial acceleration due to the change of the velocity vector around the circular path, but how do I know the speed is changing? Also how can I determine what the speed will be at that exact point along the circular path? Any help is appreciated! I'm really confused on how to set up this problem
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The tools you can bring to bear are:
1. your understanding of circular motion
2. a free-body diagram
3. conservation of energy
 
ah ok i forget to apply the conservation of energy equations to this problem, I'll give it a go thanks!
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
856
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
55
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
33
Views
8K