Final answer:
The equation for the speed of the car on the top of the loop-the-loop is v = sqrt(2.5 * g * R), where g is the acceleration due to gravity and R is the radius of the loop.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the speed of the car at the top of the loop-the-loop, we can use the concept of centripetal force. At the top of the loop, the gravitational force and the normal force (exerted by the seat on the passenger) provide the centripetal force. The formula for centripetal force is:
F = m * a
where F is the net force, m is the mass, and a is the centripetal acceleration. In this case, the net force is the sum of the gravitational force (m * g, where g is the acceleration due to gravity) and the normal force (1.5 * m * g). Equating the net force to the centripetal force (m * a), we can solve for the acceleration:
m * a = m * g + 1.5 * m * g
Simplifying the equation, we have:
a = 2.5 * g
Since the centripetal acceleration is equal to the acceleration due to gravity at the top of the loop, we can use the formula for centripetal acceleration to find the speed:
a = v^2 / R
where v is the speed and R is the radius of the loop. Substituting the value of centripetal acceleration, we get:
2.5 * g = v^2 / R
Solving for v, we find:
v = sqrt(2.5 * g * R)
Therefore, the equation for the speed of the car on the top of the loop is v = sqrt(2.5 * g * R), where g is the acceleration due to gravity and R is the radius of the loop.