Question

Where is the net force when the rollercoaster is at the top of the loop?

A. At the bottom of the loop
B. At the top of the loop
C. On the left side of the loop
D. On the right side of the loop

Answer 1

The net force when the rollercoaster is at the top of the loop is at the top of the loop, directed downward, providing the necessary centripetal force.

therefore the correct amswer is b.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a rollercoaster is at the top of a loop, the net force is directed towards the center of the loop to provide the necessary centripetal force. If a rollercoaster car goes over the top of the loop at just the right speed, gravity provides this centripetal force.

However, when the car is moving faster than this critical speed, there will be a net force due to the combination of gravitational force and the force from the rail that pushes towards the center of the loop. Conversely, if the car is moving slower than the critical speed, the force from the rail will also act towards the center (downward) to provide the necessary centripetal force, supplementing gravity.

The net force ultimately acts towards the center of the loop, which is vertically downward from the perspective of the car at the top of the loop, aligning with option B. At the top of the loop, therefore, the net force is not at the bottom, or on either side of the loop, but at the top, pointing downward.