Centripetal acceleration and ferris wheel

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SUMMARY

The centripetal acceleration experienced by individuals at the top of a Ferris wheel is primarily provided by the normal force exerted by the seat. While gravity acts on the riders, it does not contribute to the centripetal acceleration in this context. The discussion confirms that the normal force is essential for maintaining the circular motion of the riders as the Ferris wheel rotates in a vertical plane.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of centripetal acceleration
  • Knowledge of forces: normal force and gravitational force
  • Familiarity with circular motion concepts
  • Basic physics principles related to motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical formulation of centripetal acceleration
  • Explore the role of normal force in different circular motion scenarios
  • Study the effects of varying speeds on centripetal force
  • Investigate real-world applications of centripetal acceleration in amusement park rides
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Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of circular motion and forces acting on objects in a Ferris wheel scenario.

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A Ferris wheel consits of a giant wheel that rotates slowly in a vertical plane. people sit upright in chairs ont he ferris wheel. The type of force that provies the centripetal acceleration for the people at the top of the wheel as it rotates is called:

A.) gravity or B.) normal

i'm thinking it would be the normal force, am i correct?
 
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ProBasket said:
A Ferris wheel consits of a giant wheel that rotates slowly in a vertical plane. people sit upright in chairs ont he ferris wheel. The type of force that provies the centripetal acceleration for the people at the top of the wheel as it rotates is called:

A.) gravity or B.) normal

i'm thinking it would be the normal force, am i correct?
What is the direction of the centripetal force? What is the direction of gravity? What is the direction of the normal force (ie. the force that keeps the chair from falling)? Can the normal force supply the centripetal force?

AM
 


Yes, you are correct. The normal force is the force exerted by the seat on the person sitting in it. In this case, the normal force is providing the centripetal acceleration for the person at the top of the wheel as it rotates. Gravity is also present, but it is not the force responsible for the centripetal acceleration in this scenario.
 

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