Where is the normal force located on a rollercoaster loop?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The normal force (FN) acting on an object at the top of a rollercoaster loop is directed straight down, perpendicular to the surface of the track. This conclusion is based on the principles of physics, where gravity consistently acts downward, and the normal force counteracts this gravitational pull. Additionally, the force of friction (Ff) opposes the direction of the rollercoaster's motion. Understanding these forces is crucial for accurately drawing free body diagrams in physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of free body diagrams
  • Knowledge of forces: gravity, normal force, and friction
  • Familiarity with circular motion principles
  • Basic physics concepts related to rollercoaster dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of centripetal force on rollercoaster loops
  • Learn about the role of friction in rollercoaster design
  • Study the physics of circular motion in greater detail
  • Explore the relationship between speed and forces at different points on a rollercoaster
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, physics educators, and engineers involved in rollercoaster design will benefit from this discussion, particularly those focusing on forces and motion in circular paths.

JimmyRay
Messages
89
Reaction score
0
Hi I have to draw a freebody diagram for FN (normal force) of an object at different locations on my rollercoaster.

Where would FN be located when the object is upside down (going through a loop) ... would it just be straight down? (like gravity) ? Because FN is always perpendicular to the surface, so when the object is at the top of a loop on my roller coaster, FN would be straight down wouldn't it? And Ff would be straight up? And gravity is always down...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The force of friction is against the direction of the roller coaster's motion.

Gravity is always down, and the normal force at the top of the loop, would indeed be straight down.

Check this out...

http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/phys/mmedia/circmot/rcd.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Oh my god... thank you soooooooooo much
 
You are welcome :-D Sometimes google gives pretty good answers too, but it helps to know what to look for.
 

Similar threads

For the friction formula when to use Fn(normal force)×mu and when F×mu
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Relation between Friction, Velocity, and Acceleration
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
1K
Centripetal Forces and Roller Coasters
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Understanding the Minimum Speed to Keep Carriage on Tracks in a Loop
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Force of the Ladder on a Wall Torque
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
[Grade 12 Physics] Circular/gravitational motion
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
How Do Rollercoasters Use Circular Motion and Acceleration?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Is Gravity the only force doing work on a roller coaster cart?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Coefficient of kinetic friction of a block sliding across the ceiling
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Mechanics: Elevator Accelerating Downward
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K