Centripetal force on a stunt pilot

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the minimum radius of a circular path for a stunt pilot diving vertically at 150 m/s without exceeding a force of 6g. The formula used is 6g = mv²/r, leading to a radius of approximately 383 times the pilot's mass in meters. Additionally, the apparent weight of the pilot at the lowest point of the circle is calculated using the equation 6g = R - mg, resulting in an apparent weight of 844 N for an 80 kg pilot. Clarifications regarding the interpretation of 6g as acceleration and the nature of the dive (powered or unpowered) are also discussed.

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nokia8650
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A stunt pilot who has been diving vertically at 150m/s pulls out to dive into a circle in the vertical plane.

a)What is the minimum radius of the circle, if the force on the pilot is not to exceed 6g.

b)If the pilot has a mass of 80kg, what is the apparent weight of the pilot at the lowest point of the circle?My solution:

a)6g = mv^2/r
r= 383*mass metres

b) 6g = R-mg
R= g(6+80)
=844N

Is the above correct? The answer to part a) seems abit too large to me!

Thank you very much for any assistance, I really appreciate it.
 
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nokia8650 said:
A stunt pilot who has been diving vertically at 150m/s pulls out to dive into a circle in the vertical plane.

a)What is the minimum radius of the circle, if the force on the pilot is not to exceed 6g.

b)If the pilot has a mass of 80kg, what is the apparent weight of the pilot at the lowest point of the circle?

Hi nokia8650! :smile:

i] when people say a force of 6g, they mean an acceleration of 6g … so you can forget the mass in part a)

ii] is this an unpowered dive, so that the speed increases, or a powered dive at exactly the same speed throughout? :confused:
 

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