rollercoaster centripetal force

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

kfcman289

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Aug 3, 2013
Messages
122
Reaction score
4
Points
4,571
  1. Pre-Medical
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
what is supplying the centripetal force on a rollercoaster that goes upside down in a loop? how does the force change throughout the circle?
 
Gravity and the normal force.
At the bottom the centripetal force is provided by both gravity and the normal force while at the top it is the normal force minus gravity.
 
Gravity and the normal force.
At the bottom the centripetal force is provided by both gravity and the normal force while at the top it is the normal force minus gravity.

But shouldn't the normal force only equal a small component of gravity? Wouldn't the normal force always be cancelled out by something else and would never be able to supply a centripetal force?
 

Similar threads

Top Bottom