Bosuns Chair acceleration problem

In summary, the student attempted to solve a problem but was not able to due to not knowing how to draw a free body diagram.
  • #1
CallumC
20
0

Homework Statement


  1. A boatswain's chair (or bosun's chair) is a device which is used to suspend a person from a rope to perform work aloft. It has a rigid seat and can be rigged, as shown in Fig.1, to allow the operator to haul himself upwards. [Naturally, in practice, it is wise to ensure that the cable cannot be released accidentally!]. If the operator’s mass is 70 kg and he exerts a downward pull of 200N on the cable, what is his acceleration?

Homework Equations


F=ma

The Attempt at a Solution


Unfortunately have no idea how to go about it :(
 
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  • #2
Use Newton's 2nd law. Start by drawing a free body diagram. Hint: Treat the operator and his chair as one unit.
 
  • #3
I've tried that. The weight of the operator and his chair 686.7N meaning that the Tension in the two ropes holding him up should be 343.35N. Correct?
 
  • #4
No, not correct.

CallumC said:
The weight of the operator and his chair 686.7N
OK.

CallumC said:
meaning that the Tension in the two ropes holding him up should be 343.35N.
You are told that he pulls the rope with 200 N of force, so the tension is given. (You assumed equilibrium, for some reason. Don't do that.)
 
  • #5
So the tension in each of the ropes, as there is 2, would be 100N. Would that therefore mean the unbalanced force would be 686.7-200= 486.7N?
 
  • #6
I don't see a diagram. What's the pulley arrangement?
 
  • #7
CallumC said:
So the tension in each of the ropes, as there is 2, would be 100N.
No. The force that he pulls on the rope is 200 N, thus, from Newton's 3rd law, the force the rope exerts on his him (which is the tension in the rope) must be equal.

haruspex said:
I don't see a diagram. What's the pulley arrangement?
Yes, a diagram would be nice. But I assume it's the standard Bosun's chair arrangement.
 

1. What is the Bosun's Chair acceleration problem?

The Bosun's Chair acceleration problem is a physics problem that involves the acceleration of a person sitting on a chair with a rope attached to it and being pulled upward by another person. It is commonly used as an example in physics classes to demonstrate the principles of uniform circular motion and centripetal acceleration.

2. How does the Bosun's Chair acceleration problem relate to real-life situations?

The Bosun's Chair acceleration problem can be seen in real-life situations such as amusement park rides, where people are seated in chairs and pulled upward at high speeds. It also applies to activities like rock climbing, where a person is attached to a rope and pulled upward by their partner.

3. What factors affect the acceleration in the Bosun's Chair problem?

The acceleration in the Bosun's Chair problem is affected by the speed at which the person is being pulled upward, the radius of the circular motion, and the mass of the person sitting in the chair. The greater the speed and the smaller the radius, the greater the acceleration will be.

4. How can the acceleration in the Bosun's Chair problem be calculated?

The acceleration in the Bosun's Chair problem can be calculated using the formula a = v^2/r, where a is the acceleration, v is the speed, and r is the radius of the circular motion. This formula is derived from the principles of centripetal acceleration and Newton's second law of motion.

5. What safety precautions should be taken when performing the Bosun's Chair acceleration problem?

When performing the Bosun's Chair acceleration problem, it is important to use proper safety equipment such as a sturdy chair and a strong rope. The person pulling the rope should also be experienced and able to control the speed and direction of the chair. It is also recommended to have a spotter to ensure the safety of the person in the chair.

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