Max Velocity and Height of Roller Coaster Track

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on a physics problem involving a frictionless roller coaster track, where the maximum initial velocity (v₀) at point A is determined to ensure the cart stays on the track. The solution involves applying energy conservation principles and centripetal force equations, leading to the expression v = √(2gh/3 + v₀²) for the velocity at point A. For part b, the height (h') required for the cart to just reach point B is derived as h' = r/2 + 2h/3. The calculations are confirmed to be correct, providing confidence in the approach taken. Overall, the thread emphasizes the application of physics concepts to solve roller coaster dynamics.
Panphobia
Messages
435
Reaction score
13

Homework Statement


b7mank.jpg

A man starts riding on a frictionless roller coaster track at initial velocity v_{o}. At point A the radius of the bend is r.

a) What is the maximum v_{o} such that when the cart gets at point A it stays on the track?
b) Using you answer in a) what should h' be such that the cart only just makes it to point B?

Homework Equations



Ei = Ef
mv^2/r

The Attempt at a Solution


So this question was kind of bugging me, and I want to know if I got it right so for the a) part this is what I did firstly

mgh + (1/2)mv_{o}^{2} = mg(2/3)h+1/2mv^{2}
v = \sqrt{2gh/3 + Vo^2}

and then since at point be its a circle and its looking for the max velocity until the normal force = 0 I did
mv^2/r = mg
v = \sqrt{rg}
then
rg = 2gh/3 + v_{o}^{2}
v_{o} = \sqrt{g*(r-(2/3)h)}THEN for b) I just used Energy again.
so
v = \sqrt{rg}
Ei = (1/2)mrg + mg(2/3)h
Ef = mgh'
h' = r/2 + 2h/3
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Looks good to me. :thumbs:
 
  • Like
Likes 1 person
Oh thank you so much!This was one of two questions I was unsure of so I just went with my gut on it.
 
TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
Back
Top