Centripetal force of a rotating ride thing

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the centripetal force of a capsule on a rotating ride, given its mass, velocity, and radius. There is confusion about whether to multiply by the number of capsules provided in the exam question. Participants clarify that the centripetal force should be calculated for a single capsule unless the total force for all capsules is specifically requested. The inclusion of the number of capsules seems to have caused unnecessary confusion among students. Ultimately, the focus should remain on the individual capsule's centripetal force unless otherwise stated.
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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