Finding the Magnitude of Normal Force

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a motorcycle moving over the top of a hill, focusing on the concepts of centripetal force and normal force. The subject area includes dynamics and forces in circular motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the centripetal force and questions the approach for finding the normal force. Some participants suggest drawing a free body diagram to visualize the forces acting on the motorcycle.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different interpretations of the problem, with some providing guidance on the importance of free body diagrams and the relationship between net force and centripetal force. There is no explicit consensus on the method for calculating the normal force.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of confusion regarding the application of Newton's second law and the specific forces involved in the scenario. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the correct approach to finding the normal force.

ny_aish
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A motorcycle has a constant speed of 30.0 m/s as it passes over the top of a hill whose radius of curvature is 134 m. The mass of the motorcycle and driver is 333 kg.

a)Find the magnitude of the centripetal force that acts on the cycle.
(I found the Centripetal force by Fc=mv^2/r which is 2236.6N)

b)Find the magnitude of the normal force that acts on the cycle.
( I thought they are asking for F=ma for this which is wrong... any help?,)
 
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Rather draw a free body diagram. The centripetal force you found is the net force.
 
So N = mg
 
How do you draw a free body diagram? List all the forces along their directions.
Then apply
Fnet = m*acc.
 

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