how do I predict height of loop

[deleted-721922]

I am making a foam roller coaster for a marble. What equation can I use to predict the height of a loop so that the marble will not fall out?

[norman40]

Hi blah_h,

Are you working on a project like the one described at the following link?

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... gy#summary

If so, the project background and bibliography sections may be useful to you.

The height of the loop depends on the kinetic energy of the marble. And the marble's kinetic energy depends on the height from which the marble was launched. So starting height and loop size are linked together. Starting the marble from a greater height enables a larger loop. The following link has the equations and a more detailed explanation:

http://physics.bu.edu/~redner/211-sp06/ ... eloop.html


I hope this helps. Please ask again if you have more questions.

A. Norman