Centripetal Force of an amusement park ride problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the physics of an amusement park ride involving a rotating vertical cylinder. Key parameters include a rider mass of 50 kilograms, a cylinder radius of 5 meters, an angular velocity of 2 radians per second, and a static friction coefficient of 0.6. The centripetal force calculated is 1000 N, which is provided by the frictional force acting against gravity. When the floor drops, the frictional force counteracts the weight of the rider, preventing them from sliding down the wall.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law (F = m*a)
  • Knowledge of centripetal acceleration (a = R*w^2)
  • Familiarity with static friction and its coefficient
  • Basic concepts of forces acting on objects in circular motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of centripetal force in rotating systems
  • Learn about the role of friction in circular motion
  • Explore the implications of varying mass on centripetal force
  • Investigate real-world applications of centripetal force in amusement park rides
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and amusement park ride designers seeking to understand the dynamics of rotating systems and the forces involved in maintaining rider safety.

jcmtnez
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Homework Statement


An amusement park ride consits of a rotating vertical cylinder with rough canvas walls. After the rider has entered and the cylinder is rotating sufficiently fast, the floor is dropped down, yet the rider does not slide down, The rider has a mass of 50 kilograms, the radius R of the cylinder is 5 meters, the angular velocity of the cylinder when rotating is 2 radians per second, and the coefficient of static friction between the rider and the wall of the cylinder is 0.6.

(b) Calculate the centripetal force on the rider when the cylinder and state what provides that force.

(c) Calculate the upward force that keeps the rider from falling when the floor is dropped down and state what provides that force.

(d) At the same rotational speed would a rider of twice the mass slide down the wall? Explain you answer.

Homework Equations



F=m*a

a=R*w^2

The Attempt at a Solution



I could derive the centripetal force by applying Newton's second law and the formula for centripetal aceleration. I got 1000 N but i am not sure of my answer. And I don't understand very well what force is involved in pulling up the person when the floor is dropped down and how is friction involved.
 
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jcmtnez said:
And I don't understand very well what force is involved in pulling up the person when the floor is dropped down and how is friction involved.


It is not pulling up the person, but instead is acting against W, and is equals to W.
-It's frictional force.
-the person tends to go in a straight line, but the wall prevents him from doing so, by constantly applying a centripetal force on him
-gravity tends to pull him towards the earth, but since he is sticking to the wall, and there is friction between him and the wall, so he doesn't slide.
 

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