Apparent Weight in a Spinning Space Station

AI Thread Summary
In a rotating space station designed to simulate gravity, an astronaut weighing 75 kg experiences a centripetal force calculated using the formula Fc = mv²/r. With a rotation speed of 30 m/s and a radius of 150 m, the force exerted on the astronaut is 450 N. The discussion clarifies that only the centripetal force is relevant in this scenario, as the astronaut and the space station are in free fall, negating the need to consider gravitational forces. The calculation is confirmed to be correct, emphasizing the importance of understanding the forces acting on objects in a rotating system. Thus, the astronaut's scale reading would reflect this centripetal force.
HarleyM
Messages
56
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


To simulate gravity, a circular space station with a radius of 150 m is rotated so that astronauts standing on the inner surface move at 30 m/s. If the 75 kg astronaut stands on a bathroom scale what reading will it give? (assume the scale is calibrated in Newtons)


Homework Equations



Fc=mv2/r

The Attempt at a Solution



Fnet=Fc
=(75)(30)2/150
=450 N

So does this look correct? I am not really sure whether to include FN and FG or if they just cancel out.
Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You should draw a diagram showing the forces acting on the astronaut... you will find that there is only one (of any consequence !) It is the force between the floor (wall !) of the space station and the astronaut.
This is the centripetal force and you have calculated it correctly.
You do not need to take gravity into account since the astronaut and the space station are in orbit i.e 'free fall'
 
Last edited:

Thread 'Struggling to understand the concept of this question (ice cube in water optics question)'

TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
View full post »
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Similar threads

How Does a Rotating Space Station Simulate Gravity for Astronauts?
Replies
1
Views
3K
Do I have the right amount of sig digs?
Replies
4
Views
1K
Conservation of Angular Momentum and Energy in a Rotating Space Station
Replies
1
Views
1K
Need help finding the acceleration for this question
Replies
9
Views
4K
What is the Apparent Weight of a Pendulum on a Trapeze?
Replies
1
Views
3K
True vs. Apparent weight question
Replies
10
Views
4K
Centripetal Force / circular motion question
Replies
7
Views
3K
Apparent weight of a man standing in an elevator
Replies
24
Views
8K
2 astronauts near a space station (no rotation)
Replies
1
Views
2K
How Does Apparent Weight Change for an Astronaut Near the Moon?
Replies
5
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top