How Does Speed Affect Normal Force at the Crest of a Hill?

[Fresh Coffee]

Homework Statement

A 1300 kg car is traveling at 25 m/s as it passes the crest of a hill that has a radius of curvature of 120m. Determine the normal force acting on the car at the crest of the hill.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I know that for horizontal surfaces the Normal Force is equal and opposite to the force of gravity. So I figured out the force of gravity (mg) but am unsure if this is right because I am not sure if this is a horizontal surface in the question. The question does mention the crest of a hill so do I treat this like a vertical circular motion question?

 

[SammyS]

Homework Statement

A 1300 kg car is traveling at 25 m/s as it passes the crest of a hill that has a radius of curvature of 120m. Determine the normal force acting on the car at the crest of the hill.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I know that for horizontal surfaces the Normal Force is equal and opposite to the force of gravity. So I figured out the force of gravity (mg) but am unsure if this is right because I am not sure if this is a horizontal surface in the question.

That's not the correct answer.

The question does mention the crest of a hill so do I treat this like a vertical circular motion question?

Yes. Treat this is vertical circular motion. The acceleration is not zero so the Normal Force is not equal to the gravitational force.