Calculating Revolutions for Weightlessness on a 15m Ferris Wheel

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the number of revolutions per minute required for passengers on a 15m diameter Ferris wheel to experience weightlessness at the topmost point. The problem is situated within the context of circular motion and forces acting on objects in that motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the forces acting on a person at the top of the Ferris wheel and express confusion regarding the implications of the given radius. There is an attempt to relate previous problems to this scenario.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the problem setup and expressing varying levels of understanding. One participant has proposed a numerical answer, but it remains unclear if this has been validated by others.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note confusion stemming from the limited information provided, specifically regarding the radius and its role in the calculations. There is an indication that assumptions about the forces involved are being questioned.

DLxX
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How many revolutions per minute would a 15m diameter Ferris wheel need to make for the passengers to feel "weightless" at the topmost point of the trip?

Please help me with that question, as I don't even know where to start.
 
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Consider the forces on a person at the top of the wheel.
 
Can someone please give me a bit more information because I;m confused at what to do when I'm only given the radius.
 
Actually after doing a few more problems like this, I think I've gotten the hang of it. For this question I got an answer of 11 revolutions per minute. Is this correct?
 

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