- #1
JackFyre
- 15
- 7
A question regarding the minimum velocity required by a particle to 'do a loop' without falling-
Assuming the particle has a velocity v before reaching the loop. Then-
KE = mv²/2, at the bottom of the loop.
potential energy at the top-most point of the loop= 2mgr (2r = h)
then, by the law of conservation of energy, mv²/2 = 2mgr, and we get v = 2√gr
in this case, the particle will have zero kinetic energy at the the top of the loop, an will fall, as it has 0 velocity. However, if the initial velocity were slightly higher, say v+Δv, then the particle will have some velocity a the top of the loop.
By this logic, should not the minimum velocity for a particle to safely complete a loop be just a little more than 2√gr ?
Assuming the particle has a velocity v before reaching the loop. Then-
KE = mv²/2, at the bottom of the loop.
potential energy at the top-most point of the loop= 2mgr (2r = h)
then, by the law of conservation of energy, mv²/2 = 2mgr, and we get v = 2√gr
in this case, the particle will have zero kinetic energy at the the top of the loop, an will fall, as it has 0 velocity. However, if the initial velocity were slightly higher, say v+Δv, then the particle will have some velocity a the top of the loop.
By this logic, should not the minimum velocity for a particle to safely complete a loop be just a little more than 2√gr ?