A person jumps on a merry go round, how much does the merry weigh?

  • Thread starter smhippe
  • Start date
In summary, a person with a mass of 52 kg running at a speed of 6.8 m/s jumps onto a merry-go-round with a radius of 1.5 m and initial angular velocity of 1.3 rad/s. Using momentum, the mass of the merry-go-round can be calculated to be approximately 149.5 kg.
  • #1
smhippe
19
0

Homework Statement


A person with a mass of 52 kg runs with a speed of 6.8 m/s jumps onto the outer rim
of a merry-go-round. The merry-go-round has a radius of 1.5 m and can be modeled as a
large disk. The merry-go-round was initially at rest before the person jumped onto it and
rotates at 1.3 rad/s immediately after the person jumps on. What is the mass (in kg) of
the merry-go-round?


Homework Equations



Mm=Mass of merry go round
Mp=mass of person
R=radius of merry go round
Vp= velocity of person
w=angular velocity

The Attempt at a Solution


I just need someone to make sure I set this up right. I solved this using momentum. The initial momentum was Mp*Vp*r
The final momentum is 1/2*Mm*R^2*w+Mp*R^2*w
Solving I got 52*6.8*1.5=1/2*Mm*(1.5^2)*1.3+52*(1.5^2)*1.3

So does it look right to anyone?
 
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  • #2
Looks right to me. (Assuming the person was moving tangent to edge of the merry go round when he jumped on.)
 

1. What is the scientific explanation for why a person jumping on a merry go round affects its weight?

When a person jumps onto a merry go round, they add their own weight to the overall weight of the system. This is due to the principle of mass conservation, which states that mass cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed. Therefore, the total weight of the merry go round increases with the addition of the person's weight.

2. How does the speed of the merry go round affect its weight when a person jumps on it?

The speed of the merry go round does not directly affect its weight when a person jumps on it. However, the speed of the merry go round does affect the amount of force exerted on the person when they jump, which in turn affects the overall dynamics and weight distribution of the system.

3. Does the weight of the person jumping on the merry go round change the weight of the entire system?

Yes, the weight of the person jumping on the merry go round will add to the overall weight of the system. This is due to the principle of mass conservation, as explained in the first question. However, the change in weight may be negligible depending on the weight of the person compared to the weight of the merry go round.

4. Is there a difference in weight between a person jumping onto a stationary merry go round versus one that is already in motion?

Yes, there is a slight difference in weight between a person jumping onto a stationary merry go round and one that is already in motion. This is because the person's initial jump onto the merry go round may cause a slight decrease in its speed, which can affect the weight distribution and dynamics of the system.

5. Can the weight of the merry go round be accurately measured while a person is jumping on it?

Yes, the weight of the merry go round can be accurately measured while a person is jumping on it. However, it may be more difficult to obtain an exact measurement due to the movement and dynamics of the system. It may be necessary to take multiple measurements and calculate an average to get a more accurate weight measurement.

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