Question

A roller coaster passengers are suspended upside down as it moves at a constant speed through a vertical loop. What is the direction of the force that causes the coaster and it's passengers to move in a circle? What provides this force?

Answer 1

The direction of the force that causes the roller coaster and its passengers to move in a circle is the centripetal force. It is provided by a combination of gravity and the normal force. If the roller coaster goes over the top at a faster or slower speed than required, an additional force called the tension force will act in the opposite direction to provide the necessary centripetal force.

Step-by-step explanation:

The force that causes the roller coaster and its passengers to move in a circle is called the centripetal force. This force acts towards the center of the circle and keeps the roller coaster on its curved path. In the case of a roller coaster moving through a vertical loop, the centripetal force is provided by a combination of gravity and the normal force.

(a) If the roller coaster goes over the top at a faster speed than the required speed, an additional force called the tension force will act downwards to provide the necessary centripetal force.

(b) If the roller coaster goes over the top at a slower speed than the required speed, an additional force called the tension force will act upwards to provide the necessary centripetal force.

Answer 2

The direction of the force is towards the center of the circle and the provider of the force is the track. This force is called the Centripetal Force.