Where is the normal force located on a rollercoaster loop?

AI Thread Summary
The normal force (FN) on a rollercoaster at the top of a loop acts straight down, perpendicular to the surface. Gravity also acts downward, while the force of friction (Ff) opposes the direction of the rollercoaster's motion. Understanding these forces is crucial for accurately drawing a free-body diagram. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing the orientation of forces in different positions on the rollercoaster. Overall, clarity on the normal force's direction enhances comprehension of the physics involved in rollercoaster dynamics.
JimmyRay
Messages
89
Reaction score
0
Hi I have to draw a freebody diagram for FN (normal force) of an object at different locations on my rollercoaster.

Where would FN be located when the object is upside down (going through a loop) ... would it just be straight down? (like gravity) ? Because FN is always perpendicular to the surface, so when the object is at the top of a loop on my roller coaster, FN would be straight down wouldn't it? And Ff would be straight up? And gravity is always down...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The force of friction is against the direction of the roller coaster's motion.

Gravity is always down, and the normal force at the top of the loop, would indeed be straight down.

Check this out...

http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/phys/mmedia/circmot/rcd.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Oh my god... thank you soooooooooo much
 
You are welcome :-D Sometimes google gives pretty good answers too, but it helps to know what to look for.
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

For the friction formula when to use Fn(normal force)×mu and when F×mu
Replies
17
Views
2K
Relation between Friction, Velocity, and Acceleration
Replies
16
Views
923
Centripetal Forces and Roller Coasters
Replies
1
Views
2K
Understanding the Minimum Speed to Keep Carriage on Tracks in a Loop
Replies
5
Views
2K
Force of the Ladder on a Wall Torque
Replies
5
Views
3K
[Grade 12 Physics] Circular/gravitational motion
Replies
21
Views
3K
How Do Rollercoasters Use Circular Motion and Acceleration?
Replies
4
Views
2K
Is Gravity the only force doing work on a roller coaster cart?
Replies
8
Views
2K
Coefficient of kinetic friction of a block sliding across the ceiling
Replies
7
Views
1K
Mechanics: Elevator Accelerating Downward
Replies
10
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top