What Speed Causes Weightlessness on a Circular Hill?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the concept of weightlessness experienced by a driver at the top of a circular hill with a radius of 25 meters. When the driver reaches a speed that causes weightlessness, the normal force exerted by the road on the car becomes zero, indicating that the car has exceeded the maximum speed for uniform circular motion. The normal force is essential for maintaining circular motion, and its absence signifies that the car is no longer in that state. The conversation emphasizes understanding the relationship between speed, normal force, and circular motion dynamics. Ultimately, the speed at which weightlessness occurs is critical for determining safe driving conditions on such hills.
Unix
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Max. speed you can drive on a circular hill an still be in "Uniform Circular Motion"

Homework Statement



The top of a hill is in the shape of a circle of radius 25 meters.

Homework Equations



a) What is the normal force that the road exerts on an 1800kg car as it tops the hill with a speed of 8.0 m/s?

b) At what speed would the driver experience a moment of weightlessness as they top the hill?


The Attempt at a Solution



My question isn't about performing calculations, I just wanted to make sure I am understanding the concept.

In part b, if the driver is experiencing weightlessness, is it correct to say that the car has exceeded the maximum speed that you can have on the hill and still be in "Uniform Circular Motion"? If that's the case then there is no normal force on the car at that point?
 
Physics news on Phys.org


Unix said:
In part b, if the driver is experiencing weightlessness, is it correct to say that the car has exceeded the maximum speed that you can have on the hill and still be in "Uniform Circular Motion"? If that's the case then there is no normal force on the car at that point?

Yes that is correct. During normal circular motion, the normal force would be the force that the driver experiences, so if he is weightless then the normal force is zero.
 


Unix said:

Homework Statement



The top of a hill is in the shape of a circle of radius 25 meters.

Homework Equations



a) What is the normal force that the road exerts on an 1800kg car as it tops the hill with a speed of 8.0 m/s?

b) At what speed would the driver experience a moment of weightlessness as they top the hill?

The Attempt at a Solution



My question isn't about performing calculations, I just wanted to make sure I am understanding the concept.

In part b, if the driver is experiencing weightlessness, is it correct to say that the car has exceeded the maximum speed that you can have on the hill and still be in "Uniform Circular Motion"? If that's the case then there is no normal force on the car at that point?

DOn't forget that when you have calculated a speed for part (b), you answer is likely to be "At least a speed of ... "
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
View full post »

Similar threads

Acceleration in uniform circular motion is uniform or non-uniform?
2
Replies
55
Views
3K
A Car on a Banked Curve Moving in Uniform Circular Motion
Replies
7
Views
3K
Is Vertical Circular Motion Ever Uniform?
Replies
10
Views
3K
Circular Motion. Roller-coaster mass of car and max speed
Replies
7
Views
6K
What is the meaning of work done for non-uniform circular motion?
Replies
11
Views
2K
Question Regarding Circular Motion and Normal Forces
Replies
2
Views
3K
Circular motion comparisons question
Replies
1
Views
1K
Circular motion: Car driving along a circular hill
Replies
2
Views
6K
Uniform Circular Motion Problem
Replies
1
Views
1K
Circular motion/ speed increases at a constant rate
Replies
7
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top