A roller coater has a first drop of 140 meters and then enters a circular loop. Find the maximum radius of the loop such that the coaster never leaves the track at the top of the loop. Using the radius found in part 1, calculate the largest centripetal acceleration experienced by the passengers.

Question

A roller coater has a first drop of 140 meters and then enters a circular loop.  Find the maximum radius of the loop such that the coaster never leaves the track at the top of the loop.  Using the radius found in part 1, calculate the largest centripetal acceleration experienced by the passengers.

bobpursley · Answer

find the velocity at the top v^2/R=mg or v^2=Rmg but KE at the top is 140-2R 1/2 mv^2=140-2R 1/2 m(Rmg)=140-2R solve for R