How Fast is the Roller Coaster Car at the Top of the Hill?

AI Thread Summary
To determine the speed of a roller coaster car at the top of a 10 m radius hill where its apparent weight is half its true weight, the relevant equations are A = v^2/r and F = ma. The apparent weight being half indicates that the net force acting on the car is equal to its weight minus the centripetal force required to keep it moving in a circle. The weight cancels out in the calculations, simplifying the problem. The discussion emphasizes the importance of correctly applying these principles to solve for the car's velocity. Understanding the relationship between apparent weight and centripetal force is crucial for finding the solution.
hbteen
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Homework Statement



As a roller coaster car crosses on the top of a 10 m radius hill (the track is underneath the car), its apparent weight is one-half its true weight. What is the car's speed at the top?


Homework Equations




A=v^2/r
F=ma

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried saying the weight was .5 and solving for velocity, but I still have a missing # for the Force variable.
Where do I go from there?
 
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Welcome to PF!

Hi hbteen! Welcome to PF! :smile:
hbteen said:
As a roller coaster car crosses on the top of a 10 m radius hill (the track is underneath the car), its apparent weight is one-half its true weight. What is the car's speed at the top?

A=v^2/r
F=ma

I tried saying the weight was .5 and solving for velocity, but I still have a missing # for the Force variable.

The weight doesn't matter … it cancels out. :wink:

Show us what you tried, and then we'll see where the problem is. :smile:
 
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