Loop gravitational roller caoster- height, velocity, breaking force?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a gravitational roller coaster problem involving a circular loop with a radius of 8 m. Participants explore the minimum height required for the coaster to complete the loop, the velocity at a specific point after the loop, and the braking force needed to stop the coaster after a certain distance.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply conservation of energy principles to determine the minimum height and velocity. They express uncertainty about the calculations for the braking force and seek hints for that part.
  • Some participants question the calculations related to the braking force, suggesting alternative methods to find acceleration and force.
  • Others provide feedback on the correctness of the initial calculations and engage in verifying the reasoning behind the results.

Discussion Status

Participants have provided feedback on the calculations, with some confirming the correctness of the first two parts while others are still clarifying the third part regarding the braking force. There is an ongoing exploration of the methods used to arrive at the answers.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information available for the problem. The original poster has expressed a need for hints rather than complete solutions.

mmoadi
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Homework Statement



Gravitational roller coaster makes a circular loop of radius 8 m.
- What should the minimum height be for the roller coaster to make the loop without falling at the top?
- What is the velocity of the cart in the point B, after it finishes the loop? (See picture)
- What is the braking force of the roller coaster after it finishes the loop for it to stop after 10 m? The mass of the roller coaster is 2000 kg.

Homework Equations



PE(gravitational)= mgh
KE= ½ mv²

The Attempt at a Solution



First part: What should the minimum height be for the roller coaster to make the loop without falling at the top?

Energy at point A
PE(gravitational)= mgh
KE= 0

Energy at point B
PE(gravitational)= mg2r
KE= ½ mv²

Equlilibrium:

mgh= mg2r + ½ mv²

Substitution: v²= gr

mgh= mg2r + ½ mgr → h= 2r + r/2= 5r/2
h= 20 m

Second part: What is the velocity of the cart in the point B, after it finishes the loop?

PE(gravitational-at top)= KE(at bottom)
mgr= ½ mv² → gr= ½v²
v= sqrt(2gr)
v= 12.65 m/s


Are my calculations correct?

I really need a hint for solving the third part:What is the braking force of the roller coaster after it finishes the loop for it to stop after 10 m? The mass of the roller coaster is 2000 kg. [/SUB]
 
Last edited:
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I forgot to attach the picture.

http://www.slide.com/s/ULHvFJZS4z8EtEhA1ODWVdhI7p2Jkwm3?referrer=hlnk
 

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I came to some conclusions and I really hope they are correct.

Third part: What is the braking force of the roller coaster after it finishes the loop for it to stop after 10 m? The mass of the roller coaster is 2000 kg.

v(initial)= 12.65 m/s
v(final)= 0 m/s

a= v(final)-v(initial) / t

s= v(initial)*t → t= s/v(initial)

Substitution:

a= v(final)-v(initial) / s/v(initial)
a= -16 m/s

F=ma= 2000 kg*(-16 m/s²)= -32005 N

Are my conclusions correct?
 
Can someone please take a look into this problem? I would really like to know if I solved it correctly?:confused:
Thank you!:smile:
 
Your last part is not correct.
The initial velocity is given. Final velocity is zero.
Displacement is given.
Using vf^2 - vi^2 = 2*a*s, find a.
 
Thank you!

v(final)² - v(initial)²= 2as
a= v(initial) ²/ 2s
a= 8 m/s²

F= ma
F= 2000 kg* 8 m/s²= 16, 000 N

Is this now correct?
What about the first two parts? Are my calculations correct?
Thank you for helping!
 
Yes. Other two calculations are correct.
 

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