Right! This example is for the critical case where the car has the slowest starting speed possible and is still able to coast through the loop.
If it starts out faster, there will still be a normal force at that top instant.
If it starts out slower, it would take a "negative normal force" to stay on the track (not physically possible with contact forces). So, for our car and driver ... aieeeee!!!!!!
The animation is a teaching tool for introductory physics, showing the two forces acting on the car as it (barely) coasts through the loop. The companion clip illustrates what would happen if the car didn't have enough speed.
Conceptually, the normal force would only become zero at the top instantaneously in order for the car to have contact with the track at all times.
..right?
aoisenshi05 3 years ago
Right! This example is for the critical case where the car has the slowest starting speed possible and is still able to coast through the loop.
If it starts out faster, there will still be a normal force at that top instant.
If it starts out slower, it would take a "negative normal force" to stay on the track (not physically possible with contact forces). So, for our car and driver ... aieeeee!!!!!!
mrg3 3 years ago
Oh I see :)
Thx for making it clear :p
tjoef1992 4 years ago
And the point is...?
tjoef1992 4 years ago
The animation is a teaching tool for introductory physics, showing the two forces acting on the car as it (barely) coasts through the loop. The companion clip illustrates what would happen if the car didn't have enough speed.
mrg3 4 years ago