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T@P
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I have a question: if a roller coaster is gowing around a track, what is keeping it from falling down at the top? I know there is no "force" pulling it up, but how could i write an equation to measure that pull (acceleration)?
I assume you are talking about a coaster going upside down in a loop-the-loop fashion? If so, realize that the coaster is undergoing centripetal acceleration downward. So identify the forces on the coaster and use Newton's 2nd law.T@P said:true, but is there a way to calculate the force acting up on the roller coaster at the apex of its revolution?
Inertia---It's moving! It "stays" up the same way a ball on the end of a string stays up if you were to swing it overhead. (It doesn't really stay up there---it goes around and back down.)T@P said:The forces at the top would be mg down and the normal force also down. How does it stay up...?
In a loop, the acceleration is perpendicular to the velocity and the acceleration force is what you are looking forT@P said:I understand the idea, but what keeps it up would be the velocity? but isn't the velocity perpendicular to the force of gravity and therefore have no effect on it?
But it does fall down! It is accelerated downward due to the forces on it. (Keep in mind that a force is need to change a velocity, not cause a velocity.) It doesn't fall straight down, since it does have a sideways velocity.T@P said:I understand the idea, but what keeps it up would be the velocity? but isn't the velocity perpendicular to the force of gravity and therefore have no effect on it? I am sorry if I appear slow and thank you for your help, but i simply don't understand how I could draw a freebody diagram of an object at the top of a roller coaster and see that it does not fall down?
T@P said:The forces at the top would be mg down and the normal force also down. How does it stay up...?
The "roller coaster equation" is a common misconception in physics that assumes the total energy of a roller coaster is constant throughout the entire ride. This is not true, as energy is constantly being transferred between kinetic and potential energy.
The misconception of the roller coaster equation can lead to incorrect assumptions about the speeds and heights of roller coasters, potentially impacting their design and safety. It is important for engineers to accurately account for the transfer of energy in designing safe and thrilling roller coasters.
Yes, the same principles of conservation of energy and the transfer of energy can be applied to other systems, such as pendulums and bouncing balls. However, the specific equation used for roller coasters may not be applicable to these other systems.
One way to debunk this misconception is by using real-life examples and calculations to show how energy is transferred throughout a roller coaster ride. Additionally, explaining the concept of conservation of energy and how it applies to roller coasters can help clarify any misunderstandings.
Understanding the correct principles of the roller coaster equation can help people appreciate the engineering and physics behind these thrilling rides. It also promotes a better understanding of energy and conservation of energy, which are important concepts in everyday life and other areas of science.