Loops+and+Turns

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Turns and loops bring up new questions of physics because they alter the forward momemtum that results from dropping the coaster down the first hill.

The track exerts forces that directs the momemtum of the train though gravity would pull it down to the ground and inertia would keep it moving in a straight line.

By banking the curve, most of the force that pushes the passengers through the curve comes from the seat rather than the side of the train.

The force that makes the train turn through the loop is centripetal force.

As the train starts the loop, gravity and momentum are pulling the train out of the loop, so the structure of the track provides the "seat force" that moves the train through the loop--the centripetal force.