Calculating minimum velocity around a loop

In summary, the question asks for the minimum velocity needed to counteract gravity while going around a loop. The position, velocity, and acceleration vectors for an object moving around a loop at constant angular velocity are provided, and it is stated that the acceleration at the top of the loop must be non-negative in order for the object to stay on the loop.
  • #1
Nouo
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So I had this question for physics about something going around a loop. The question asked what the minimum velocity to counteract gravity is if something is going around a loop. hint: One force will be zero.

I'm not sure how to figure this out, can someone help?
 
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  • #2
Can you calculate the centripetal acceleration of a particle moving at some velocity around the loop? You can assume the loop is of radius r and treat it as a constant.
 
  • #3
If an object is going around a loop of radius R at constant angular velocity, [itex]\omega[/itex] then its position vector (taking center of the loop to be (0, 0) and the objects position at t= 0 to be (1, 0)) is [itex]R cos(\omega t)\vec{i}+ R sin(\omega t)\vec{j}[/itex]. Its velocity vector will be [itex]-\omega R sin(\omega t)\vec{i}+ \omega R cos(\omega t)\vec{j}[/itex] and its acceleration vector will be [itex]-\omega^2 R cos(\omega t)\vec{i}- \omega^2 R sin(\omega t)\vec{j}[/itex]. In order to stay on the loop, the acceleration at the top ([itex]\theta= \pi/4[/itex]) must be non-negative.
 

FAQ: Calculating minimum velocity around a loop

How do you calculate the minimum velocity required to complete a loop?

The minimum velocity required to complete a loop can be calculated using the formula: v = √(rg), where v is the minimum velocity, r is the radius of the loop, and g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²).

What factors affect the minimum velocity needed to complete a loop?

The minimum velocity needed to complete a loop is affected by the radius of the loop, the mass of the object, and the gravitational force acting on the object.

Can the minimum velocity be greater than the calculated value?

Yes, the minimum velocity can be greater than the calculated value. This is because the calculated value only takes into account the minimum velocity needed to complete the loop, but in reality, a greater velocity is needed to account for the friction and air resistance that may slow down the object.

Is it possible to complete a loop with a velocity lower than the calculated minimum velocity?

No, it is not possible to complete a loop with a velocity lower than the calculated minimum velocity. The calculated minimum velocity is the minimum amount of speed needed to overcome the force of gravity and complete the loop without falling off.

How does the mass of the object affect the minimum velocity needed to complete a loop?

The mass of the object affects the minimum velocity needed to complete a loop because a heavier object will require a greater velocity to overcome the force of gravity and complete the loop. This is because the force of gravity increases with mass, so a heavier object will experience a greater downward force while going through the loop.

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