Roller coaster free body diagrams

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on creating free body diagrams for a roller coaster, specifically analyzing the forces acting on passengers during inclines, straightaways, and at the bottom of the hill. Key forces identified include gravitational force (f-gravity), normal force (f-normal), applied force (f-applied), and frictional force (f-friction). It is emphasized that the applied force is only present when the coaster is being pulled up an incline. Understanding the direction of these forces is crucial for accurately depicting the free body diagrams.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of free body diagrams
  • Familiarity with forces: gravitational, normal, applied, and frictional
  • Knowledge of roller coaster mechanics
  • Ability to interpret physical scenarios in diagram form
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of Newton's laws of motion
  • Learn how to draw and label free body diagrams accurately
  • Explore the effects of different forces on roller coaster dynamics
  • Study the role of energy conservation in roller coaster design
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those in middle school, as well as educators looking for practical examples of free body diagrams in real-world applications.

souljaxd
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Homework Statement


so I am a 8th grader and i got a homework asignment to draw free body diagrams of a roller coaster on inclines, straight aways and bottom of the hill. we didnt learn about physics yet so here's the question

- draw and label free body diagrams for the coaster car on inclines, staright aways and bottom of the hill. don't focuz on the coaster car, but the people riding the car.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



i researched about free body diagrams and roller coasters. all i have now for the straight away is , f-gravity, f-normal, f - applied, and f- friction
 
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souljaxd said:
i researched about free body diagrams and roller coasters. all i have now for the straight away is , f-gravity, f-normal, f - applied, and f- friction
Other than when the coaster ( and passengers) are being pulled up the incline by a chain mechanism or other means, there is no applied force; otherwise you have correctly identified the other forces acting for the straightway. These are the same type of forces which act when the coaster or passsengers are at the bottom, or on an incline. What are the direction of these forces?
 

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