Answer :
Final answer:
The normal force at the top of the circular track is zero because the gravitational force provides the necessary centripetal force for the motorcycle's circular motion.
Explanation:
The student has asked to determine the normal force at the top of a circular track for a motorcycle with specific parameters. To find the normal force (N) at the top of the track, we must consider the circular motion of the motorcycle. The only force that acts towards the center of the circle at the top of the path is the gravitational force; therefore, the centripetal force required for circular motion at the top is provided entirely by gravity. Thus, the normal force at the top is zero, as the centripetal force is the weight of the motorcycle itself.
When a motorcycle is driven inside a circular track with a constant speed, the motorcycle exerts a force backward on the ground to overcome the sum of frictional forces and air resistance and to provide the necessary centripetal force for circular motion. The back tire of the motorcycle interacts with the ground to generate the necessary forces for both accelerating and maintaining the motorcycle's path on the track.
