Force of a Roller Coaster in a Vertical Loop

[Unity]

Homework Statement

A roller coaster moves through a vertical loop at a constant speed and suspends its passengers upside down. In what direction is the force that causes the coaster and its passengers to move in a circle? What provides this force?

The Attempt at a Solution

We started this chapter friday, so I'm not even sure where to start on this one. I thought that the force would be positive, and that the force of the roller coaster is what's providing the force...but I'm not confident that I'm answering it right at all. Thanks for the feedback guys.

 

[tiny-tim]

Hi Unity!

The direction and amount of the acceleration, a, is a matter of geometry, not phsyics, so find a first.

(and then use good ol' Newton's second law … F_net = ma … to find F_net)

 

[kerimek]

I would like to clarify that the force that causes the roller coaster and its passengers to move in a circle is known as centripetal force. This force acts towards the center of the circle and is provided by the track of the roller coaster. The track exerts a normal force on the roller coaster and its passengers, which is directed towards the center of the loop. This normal force, combined with the velocity of the roller coaster, creates the necessary centripetal force to keep the roller coaster and its passengers moving in a circular path. It is important to note that this force is always changing in direction as the roller coaster moves through the loop, but its magnitude remains constant. This allows the roller coaster to maintain a constant speed throughout the loop. I hope this helps clarify any confusion.