Calculating Minimum Radius for a Stunt Plane Dive

[nitro2109]

Homework Statement

A 56.0 {\rm kg} stunt pilot who has been diving her airplane vertically pulls out of the dive by changing her course to a circle in a vertical plane.

Q? If the plane's speed at the lowest point of the circle is 100 {\rm m}/{\rm s}, what should the minimum radius of the circle be in order for the acceleration at this point not to exceed 3.00 g?

 

[andrevdh]

Well, what is he relationship between the pilot's acceleration, speed and radius of circular motion?

 

[nitro2109]

thx 4 tryin but i got the answer thx... i still don't get the question tho...

 

[andrevdh]

The pilot is diving downwards towards the Earth and then exits the dive by turning into a circle. When the direction of motion is changed she will experience an accelerating force from her seat pushing her upwards. According to N3 she pushes just as hard downwards on the seat, so she will descibe it as sinking into the seat.