Centripetal force of an ice skater

[mandy9008]

Homework Statement

A 55.5 kg ice skater is moving at 4.02 m/s when she grabs the loose end of a rope, the opposite end of which is tied to a pole. She then moves in a circle of radius 0.807 m around the pole. (a) Determine the force exerted by the horizontal rope on her arms. (b) Compare this force with her weight by finding the ratio of the force to her weight.

Homework Equations

F_C = mv² / R

The Attempt at a Solution

a. F_C = (55.5 kg)(4.02 m/s)² / 0.807 m
F_C = 1111.4 N

b. 1111.4 N / 55.5 kg = 20.02 ?

 

[PhanthomJay]

Homework Statement

A 55.5 kg ice skater is moving at 4.02 m/s when she grabs the loose end of a rope, the opposite end of which is tied to a pole. She then moves in a circle of radius 0.807 m around the pole. (a) Determine the force exerted by the horizontal rope on her arms. (b) Compare this force with her weight by finding the ratio of the force to her weight.

Homework Equations

F_C = mv² / R

The Attempt at a Solution

a. F_C = (55.5 kg)(4.02 m/s)² / 0.807 m
F_C = 1111.4 N

b. 1111.4 N / 55.5 kg = 20.02 ?

her weight is not 55.5 kg. That's her mass.