Mechanics: Circular Motion and Gravitation

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Circular Motion and Gravitation: Audio Guided Solution

Extra Problem 20:

A 653 kg roller coaster car (includes mass of occupants) are passing through a vertical loop. The speed of the car at the top of the loop is 16.9 m/s. What radius of curvature (in meters) must the loop have at its very top in order for the occupants to experience a normal force which is 1/4-th their weight?

Audio Guided Solution

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Habits of an Effective Problem Solver

An effective problem solver by habit approaches a physics problem in a manner that reflects a collection of disciplined habits. An effective problem-solver...

... eads the problem carefully and develop a mental picture of the physical situation. If necessary, sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help you visualize it.
... identifies the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner. Equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity - e.g., m = 61.7 kg, v= 18.5 m/s, R = 30.9 m, F_norm = ???.
... uses physics formulas and conceptual reasoning to plot a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity.
... identifies the appropriate formula(s) to use.
... performs substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.

Read About It!

Get more information on the topic of Circular Motion and Gravitation at The Physics Classroom Tutorial.

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