Solving a Circular Motion Problem - Expert Tips and Techniques

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a circular motion problem related to forces experienced by occupants on a rollercoaster, specifically focusing on the normal force and its relation to gravitational force. Participants are exploring the dynamics of circular motion and the application of free body diagrams in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are asking for the original poster's attempts and equations used, emphasizing the need for clarity in the problem-solving process. There are discussions about the normal force experienced by occupants and its implications for the forces acting on them. Questions are raised about the relevance of the rollercoaster's mass and the proper interpretation of the radius of the loop.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking more detailed input from the original poster regarding their attempts and reasoning. Some guidance has been offered on the importance of free body diagrams and the relationship between centripetal and gravitational forces, but no consensus has been reached on the interpretation of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There are indications that the original poster may not have provided sufficient detail in their initial query, leading to requests for more comprehensive explanations of their approach. The discussion also highlights the need to adhere to homework guidelines regarding the presentation of work.

bloodlust_X
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Homework Statement
During the Physics Field Trip to Six Flags, Skyler and Jayson experienced a looping roller coaster ride for the first time. Their 656-kg roller coaster car was moving at 15.8 m/s at the top of the loop where occupants experienced a normal force equivalent to 1/4-th their weight. Determine the radius of curvature of the loop.
Relevant Equations
So I tried using F = mv^2/r, and f =mg to cancel mass but it didn't work, also its confusing which forces are supposed to be used?
Fnet would otherwise be 4281N, after subtracting 1/4 of rollercoaster's weight?
Could someone please help me solve this?
 
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Please give us your actual attempt including the equations you wrote down. Show us what you did, don’t just describe it in words.
 
bloodlust_X said:
occupants experienced a normal force equivalent to 1/4-th their weight.

after subtracting 1/4 of rollercoaster's weight
It's the occupants that you have the normal force info on. Have you drawn a Free Body Diagram for one of those? What forces does it show?

Btw, you can't actually find the radius of the loop as a track, only the radius of arc the occupant's mass centre is following.
 
Orodruin said:
Please give us your actual attempt including the equations you wrote down. Show us what you did, don’t just describe it in words.
f0216e0f-7025-4851-9c94-04c09b6d1cf1.jpg
 
haruspex said:
It's the occupants that you have the normal force info on. Have you drawn a Free Body Diagram for one of those? What forces does it show?

Btw, you can't actually find the radius of the loop as a track, only the radius of arc the occupant's mass centre is following.
so nothing to do with the mass of the rollercoaster in the problem?
 
That doesn’t really tell us what you did. Please type it out with your arguments in between the equations. (See the homework guidelines)
 
As @Orodruin notes, posting that working doesn't tell us what principles you are using. But reverse engineering your first equation, it says centripetal force = gravitational force/4. Is that what the question says?
 

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