How Much Force Does a Lift Chain Apply to a Roller Coaster?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the force applied by a lift chain to a roller coaster as it is pulled up a hill. The scenario includes a mass of 4140 kg and an angle of 66 degrees, with a specified distance of 120 meters for the lift hill.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • One participant attempts to use Newton's second law (F=ma) to calculate the force, while another suggests considering the relationship between force, distance, and work. There are questions about the correct trigonometric function to use based on the angle provided.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the problem, with some providing guidance on drawing diagrams and checking the angle's measurement. There is an exploration of how the 120 meters relates to the calculations, indicating a productive direction in the conversation.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention that the 120 meters may not be necessary for the current calculation, suggesting that the problem may have multiple parts or interpretations that are not fully resolved.

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Homework Statement



THe length that the train is pulled up the lift hill is 120 meters. How much force did the lift chain apply to the coaster to pull it up the hill. Mass of the roller coaster = 4140 kg θ = 66°

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I Tried F=ma to get (4140kg)(9.8m/s) = 40572N then (40572N)cos(66° to get 16502. i do not know if that is correct. Help is needed please
 
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force times distance = work = ? (hint: has to do with the 120m and the 66 deg.)
 
THe length that the train is pulled up the lift hill is 120 meters. How much force did the lift chain apply to the coaster to pull it up the hill. Mass of the roller coaster = 4140 kg θ = 66°

Draw the diagram.

Check where the angle 66 degrees is measured. eg is it cos(66) or sin(66) you need.

The 120m doesn't need to feature in the calculation. That's probably for another part of the question.
 
CWatters said:
Draw the diagram.

Check where the angle 66 degrees is measured. eg is it cos(66) or sin(66) you need.

The 120m doesn't need to feature in the calculation. That's probably for another part of the question.

Oh, right.
 

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