Centripetal force of a rotating ride thing

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem related to centripetal force in the context of a rotating amusement ride. The original poster is uncertain about whether to consider multiple capsules when calculating the centripetal force, given that the problem specifies the number of capsules.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring whether the centripetal force should be calculated for a single capsule or if the total force for multiple capsules should be considered. There is a question about the relevance of the number of capsules provided in the problem statement.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants expressing confusion and questioning the implications of the problem's wording. Some have suggested that the inclusion of the number of capsules may be intended to mislead, while others note that the approach would differ if the total force was required.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the interpretation of the problem, particularly about whether the calculation should focus on individual capsules or the collective force of all capsules. The original poster did not consider the number of capsules in their initial response, which has led to further questioning.

Magma828
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Just had a question in an exam asking me to find the centripetal force of a capsule on a ride like this:

london-eye.jpg


It gave the mass of a capsule, its velocity and radius etc. Would I have had to multiply by the number of capsules, because it did state the number.

I didn't do this, but someone told me that that's what I should have done. Now I'm confused!
 
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Magma828 said:
the centripetal force of a capsule

Why multiply when you're asked to find the force for a single capsule?
 
That's what I thought, but it's strange that they gave the number of the capsules.

Probably just to confuse us!
 
Magma828 said:
That's what I thought, but it's strange that they gave the number of the capsules.

Probably just to confuse us!

Well, it would be different if you were asked to find the sum of all the centripetal forces acting on the ride.
 

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