Solving the Normal Force of a 74 kg Chemistry Student on a Ferris Wheel

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a chemistry student on a Ferris wheel, specifically examining the normal force acting on her at different positions of the ride. The subject area relates to forces, centripetal motion, and dynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the forces acting on the student, including gravitational force and centripetal force. Questions arise about how to calculate the normal force at the bottom of the Ferris wheel and the effects of doubling the wheel's velocity on the normal force at the top.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the relationship between velocity and centripetal force, noting that doubling the velocity increases the centripetal force by a factor of four. However, there is still a request for help in setting up the equation for the second part of the problem.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has successfully solved part A of the problem but is seeking assistance specifically for part B regarding the effect of increased velocity on the normal force.

Naeem
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Hi folks,

Would appreciate any help with this problem

A chemistry student with a mass of 74 kg is riding a steadily moving Ferris wheel. When she is at the top of the Ferris wheel, the normal force from the seat on to her body has a magnitude of 556 N.

a)What is the magnitude of the normal force on her body when she is at the bottom of the Ferris wheel's arc?

I figured out the answer to this question,

But I am stuck with part B
b ) What would the normal force be on the student at the top of the wheel if the wheel's velocity were doubled?
Plz help

Thanks a million!
 
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Consider the force on her. You got mg pulling down, negative centripetal force trying to make her leave her seat and the resulting force is 556N downward because the normal force from the seat is 556N. doubling the velocity increases the negative centripetal force by what factor?
 
vsage said:
Consider the force on her. You got mg pulling down, negative centripetal force trying to make her leave her seat and the resulting force is 556N downward because the normal force from the seat is 556N. doubling the velocity increases the negative centripetal force by what factor?


I figured out that if velocity is doubled mv^2/R increases by a factor of 4.

but, how do I setup the equation.
 
I beg you folks to help me on how to setup the equation for the 2nd part.

Thanks,

Naeem
 
Finally got this one. Thanks anyway
 

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