Calculating Force on a Child Riding a Ferris Wheel

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the forces acting on a child riding a Ferris wheel, specifically focusing on the forces at the highest point of the circular path. The subject area includes concepts from mechanics, particularly circular motion and forces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the forces acting on the child, including gravitational force and centripetal force. There are questions about whether all necessary forces have been considered and how to calculate the normal force exerted by the seat.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring the relationship between the normal force and the net centripetal force. Some guidance has been provided regarding the calculation of forces, and there appears to be a productive exchange of ideas.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework problem, which may limit the information available for discussion. There is an emphasis on understanding the forces involved without providing a complete solution.

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A 50 kg child riding a farris wheel (radius= 10m) travels in a vertical circle. The wheel completes one revolution every 10 seconds. What is the magnitude of the force on the child by the seat at the highest point on the circlular path?

I found the Force due to gravity is mg = 490 N
angular velcity w= 0.2(pi) rad/s
and the force due to radial acceleration ar=(w^2)*R*m= 197.39 N

Is that all the forces I need to find, what exactly do I do. Thanks for the help.
 
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The force on the child by the seat would be the normal force. Essentially, you need to find how the magnitude of this force.
 
Yea i know, but the normal force would just be the oppisite of the sum of the forces "going down." Am I missing a force I need calculate or have I made a mistake?
 
I believe that since
[tex]F_{net}=F_{centripetal}[/tex],
[tex]F_{normal}=F_{centripetal}-F_{g}[/tex]
 
thank you that worked
 

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