Roller coaster in a circular loop problem

AI Thread Summary
To maintain contact at the top of a circular loop, a roller coaster car must reach a minimum speed of v = 2√(gR) at the bottom. If the car travels at 6v/5, the normal force at the top can be calculated using the equation N = mv²/R - mg. For a speed of 4v/5 at the bottom, the problem requires determining where the car loses contact with the track, which involves analyzing the centripetal force as the car ascends. The solution suggests using an angle approach to find the point where the normal force equals zero. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for solving roller coaster physics problems effectively.
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Homework Statement


A roller coaster car is on a track that forms a circular loop of radius R in the vertical plane.

(a) If the car is to maintain contact with the track at the top of the loop, what is the minimum speed v that the car must have at the bottom of the loop? Ignore air resistance and rolling friction.
(b) If the car has a speed 6v/5 at the bottom of the loop, then what will be force vector acting on the car by the track when it reaches the top of the loop? [v is the minimum speed calculated in (a).]
(c) If the car has a speed 4v/5 at the bottom of the loop, locate the point on the track where the car ceases to maintain contact with the track.


Homework Equations


0.5mv12 + mg(2R) - 0.5mv22 - mg(0) = 0.
Fc = N - mg


The Attempt at a Solution


For a), i just used the first eqn, sub in all the known datas, i got v = 2sqrt(gR) as the min speed needed.

For b), i assumed force vector needed is normal force. So at the top, i used the 2nd eqn, and i got N = Fc - mg = mv2/R - mg.

For c), i don't know how to attempt the qn. Hope you guys can help thx!
 
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Your answer for (a) looks dubious; recheck your working.
For (c), consider how the centripetal force on the car varies with its position on the track (hint: use an angle approach). Then find the point where N = 0.
 
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