Solving for Centripetal Force using a Free Body Diagram

Question

A centripetal force of 4000N keeps a 50kg rollercoaster car traveling in a circular path at the top of a loop. Calculate the normal force of the track on the rollercoaster car.

 

SHOW WORK USING PHYSICS 

Answer 1

At the top of the loop, both the normal force N and weight mg point straight down through the center of the loop.  At that point,

 

N + mg = Fc = centripetal force

 

N = Fc - mg = (4000 N) - (50 kg)(9.8 m/s^2) = 3510 newtons