Centripetal acceleration A jet flies in a vertical circle

[hCornellier]

Homework Statement

A pilot, whose mass is 96.0 kg, makes a loop-the-loop in a fast jet. Assume that the jet maintains a constant speed of 225 m/s and that the radius of the loop-the-loop is 2.064 km.

What is the apparent weight that the pilot feels (i.e., the force with which the pilot presses against the seat) at the bottom of the loop-the-loop?

What is the apparent weight felt at the top of the loop-the-loop?

Homework Equations

ac = v^2/r

The Attempt at a Solution

I've tried finding a solution for the bottom, but have yet to find it. I solved for Fg, (96kg*9.81m/s/s), then I found the centripetal force (point towards center of circle) to be equal to 2354.65N. I read that n-mg=ac?

 

[jtpope2]

you have the correct magnitudes for centripetal and gravitational force. you need to think about the direction of the force vectors and add them.

 

[hCornellier]

So the force exerted on the chair is equal to the centripetal force - Fg?

 

[jtpope2]

the vector for centripetal force always points towards the center and gravity points down, so add the vectors appropriately