General loop the loop problem

In summary, the problem involves determining the minimum height of a hill in a loop the loop scenario to keep a marble on track. The question arises as to why the normal force must equal zero, and the attempt at a solution involves considering the concept of the marble not falling off. Ultimately, the minimum initial height is sought, and it is determined that a normal force greater than zero would allow for a lower initial height. Thus, zero is the only remaining possibility.
  • #1
Brett R.
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Homework Statement


In the normal loop the loop problem involving rotational energy where the marble goes down the hill and goes through a loop the loop, it asks for the minimum height of the hill to keep the marble on the track.

Homework Equations


But why does the normal force have to equal 0?

The Attempt at a Solution


I just don't know. How do we factor the idea that the marble doesn't fall off into the problem?
 
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  • #2
Brett R. said:
But why does the normal force have to equal 0?
The normal force cannot be negative, agreed?
You are looking for the minimum initial height for it to stay on track. If the normal force at the top were greater than zero then a lower initial height could have been used.
Zero is the only remaining possibility.
 
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1. What is the general loop the loop problem?

The general loop the loop problem is a physics problem that involves a mass traveling in a track with a loop. The goal is to determine the minimum speed required at the top of the loop for the mass to complete the loop without falling off.

2. How is the minimum speed at the top of the loop calculated?

The minimum speed at the top of the loop is calculated using the conservation of energy principle. This involves equating the initial kinetic energy of the mass to the sum of its potential energy at the top of the loop and its kinetic energy at the bottom of the loop.

3. What factors affect the minimum speed at the top of the loop?

The minimum speed at the top of the loop is affected by the radius of the loop, the height of the loop, and the acceleration due to gravity. It is also affected by the mass of the object, as a heavier object will require a higher minimum speed to complete the loop.

4. How does the shape of the loop affect the minimum speed at the top?

The shape of the loop does not affect the minimum speed at the top, as long as the loop is circular. This is because circular motion is independent of the shape of the path.

5. What happens if the minimum speed is not reached at the top of the loop?

If the minimum speed is not reached at the top of the loop, the mass will not have enough kinetic energy to complete the loop and will fall off the track. This is because the force of gravity will be greater than the centripetal force needed to keep the mass in circular motion.

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