Unbanked and banked Curves problem

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The discussion focuses on calculating the total force exerted on a roller coaster traveling around a curve. The initial attempt used an incorrect formula for centripetal acceleration, leading to an erroneous force calculation of 2340.6 N. The correct approach involves considering the normal force, gravitational force, and centripetal force, with the expected answer being 3900 N at an angle of 53 degrees above the horizontal. Participants emphasize the importance of showing effort in problem-solving rather than providing complete solutions. The forum guidelines discourage giving full answers to maintain a learning environment.
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1. A roller coaster of mass 320 kg (including passengers) travels around a horizontal curve of radius 35 m. Its speed is 16 m/s. What is the magnitude and direction of the total force exerted on the car by the track?



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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thats the entire problem?
 
yeah
 
as always this deals with centripetal acceleration covered by the formula Fc = (mv/r^2)

plug in the values and you get Fc= (320*16*16)/(35)

which solves for 2340.6N

Have a great day.. at least show some effort.
 
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i tried that but the answer is supposed to be 3900 N at 53 degrees above the horizontal, but thanks anyways
 
if there's a bank you didn't give me the full question. I cannot see an angle anywhere in the eq'n.. maybe some is cut off or elsewhere on the page..
 
Two forces acting on the roller coaster. Normal force , weight, frictional force.
 
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Welcome to PF!

Hi dvela! Welcome to PF! :wink:

joshmdmd's formula for centripetal acceleration is wrong, it should be v2/r (not v/r2).

Try again. :smile:

(and joshmdmd, please don't give full answers on this forum)

joshmdmd said:
as always this deals with centripetal acceleration covered by the formula Fc = (mv/r^2)

plug in the values and you get Fc= (320*16*16)/(35)

which solves for 2340.6N

Have a great day.. at least show some effort.
 
inky said:
Two forces acting on the roller coaster. Normal force , weight, frictional force.

There is no Friction in the question and there is normal force, gravitational force and centripetal force. Basically you are looking for magnitude and direction for normal force.. (got an infraction for solving the eq'n completely so i guess I am not giving out more xD)
 
  • #10


tiny-tim said:
Hi dvela! Welcome to PF! :wink:

joshmdmd's formula for centripetal acceleration is wrong, it should be mv2/r (not mv/r2).

Try again. :smile:

(and joshmdmd, please don't give full answers on this forum)

I already edited that out xD
 
  • #11
joshmdmd said:
There is no Friction in the question and there is normal force, gravitational force and centripetal force. Basically you are looking for magnitude and direction for normal force.. (got an infraction for solving the eq'n completely so i guess I am not giving out more xD)

They were warnings, not infractions. And as explained, it's fine to give hints and ask probing questions, but it's not okay to solve homework problems for students here.
 
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