Forces on a Roller Coaster

θ (radians)

6.2832

mass (kg)

0.055

radius (m)

9

show centripetal force

normal force

	centripetal (N)
	normal (N)

When an object (such as a roller coaster car) travels at constant speed along a circle, the magnitude of the centripetal force on the car is constant. The normal force (directed toward the center

C

of the circle) is given by the sum of the centripetal force and the radial component of the weight. Both these forces vary along the loop. This Demonstration shows how these forces change as a function of the position on the circle, the mass of the car, and the radius of the loop. Click the appropriate checkbox to see the centripetal and normal force vectors.