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As usual, we have made a guess about the relative sizes of the normal force and gravity. The accuracy of this guess is not vital to solving the problem, only the direction of the forces matter (parallel to gravity, perpendicular to gravity, etc.). If the relative sizes do not make sense to you now, consider them again after solving Part A. |
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Technically, roller coaster seats can also exert forward (from the seat back) and backward (from the restraining straps or bars) forces on the rider. In the limit of a very short coaster (say one car) with very little friction/air resistance these forces are basically zero because gravity will accelerate the person and the coaster at the same rates. What would the seat force on a rider in the front or back car of a very long (many cars) roller coaster look like? |