Roller Coaster Problem Help NEEDED

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The Roller Coaster Problem involves calculating the apparent weight (Wap) of a rider at the bottom of a vertical loop with a radius of 5.40 m. The discussion highlights the need to compute the speed at various points along the loop, emphasizing the application of conservation of energy principles. The confusion arises from the assumption of zero initial and final height, which complicates the calculation of mass. Clear guidance on using centripetal force and gravitational force equations is essential for solving this problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of centripetal force and gravitational force equations
  • Basic knowledge of roller coaster dynamics
  • Familiarity with conservation of energy principles
  • Ability to perform calculations involving mass and weight
NEXT STEPS
  • Study centripetal acceleration and its relationship to speed in circular motion
  • Learn how to apply conservation of energy in mechanical systems
  • Research the concept of apparent weight in non-inertial frames
  • Practice solving problems involving forces on roller coasters and similar systems
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of roller coasters and the forces acting on riders during motion.

FahimP
Messages
12
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Suppose the vertical loop has a radius of 5.40 m. What is the apparent weight (Wap) of a rider on the roller coaster at the bottom of the loop? (Assume that friction between roller coaster and rails can be neglected. Give your answer in terms of m and g.)




Homework Equations



NA

The Attempt at a Solution


this problem was very long and it had like 5 parts to it. 1st part was to calculate the speed on the top of coaster . Second part was to calculate the speed at several different points.
The third part has gotten me a little confused. I was thinkink about using the conservation of energy to calculate the mass but there is no this confuses me because it turns out to be zero because there is no initial height or final height.

SO any advice or tips or hints on how to start would be great !

Homework Statement



na

Homework Equations


na

The Attempt at a Solution


 
Physics news on Phys.org
Have you made any progress?
 

Similar threads

Roller coaster mock Lab Report
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
994
Roller coaster and centripetal acceleration
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Speed at the top of an elliptical roller coaster loop
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Conservation of Energy for a roller coaster
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
5K
Minimum safe height for a roller coaster
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
6K
How Is the Force on a Child in a Roller Coaster Calculated?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
7K
Roller coaster rider weight problem
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
Friction between roller coaster and track
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
8K
A different type of roller coaster loop problem
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Energy Equation for a Roller Coaster on a Full Circular Loop
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K