Loop the Loop
![A track that has a loop in it](/media/libraries/college-of-science-and-engineering/physics/images/demo-images/LOOP1.jpg)
PIRA 1M40.20
Materials: Loop Ramp, 1 Yellow Ball
Guide the class through a calculation of the minimum height required for a ball released on the loop-the-loop track shown at left to complete the loop. A 1.5" to 2" diameter bouncy ball works best - it will roll without slipping. Rotational kinetic energy must be included, and the radius of the path of the ball is not the same as the radius of the track.
A worthwhile variation is to deliberately leave out rotational kinetic energy, and ask the class why the ball did not complete the loop.