Circular Motion and Universal Law of Gravitation Homework help

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving problems related to circular motion and the Universal Law of Gravitation, specifically in the context of roller coasters and swinging arcs. The first problem involves calculating the speed of a roller coaster car at the bottom of a dip with a radius of curvature of 30 meters, where passengers feel twice their true weight. The second problem examines Spiderman's maximum tolerable speed while swinging, given a force exerted on the webbing of 1900N and a mass of 80 kg. Key equations used include the net force equation, ΣF = m(v²/r), which is essential for both scenarios.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of circular motion dynamics
  • Familiarity with the concept of apparent weight
  • Knowledge of force diagrams and free-body diagrams
  • Basic proficiency in algebra and physics equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of centripetal acceleration in circular motion
  • Learn how to derive the apparent weight in non-inertial frames
  • Explore the applications of the net force equation in different scenarios
  • Investigate the effects of varying radius on speed in circular motion problems
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators seeking to enhance their teaching methods in circular motion and gravitational concepts.

rain_ex
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Circular Motion and Universal Law of Gravitation Homework help!

Homework Statement



The passengers in a roller coaster car feel twice as heavy as their true weight as the car goes through a dip with a 30 m radius of curvature. What is the car's speed at the bottom of this dip?

Given: r = 30m, mass = twice the force due to gravity(?)
Find: Velocity

Homework Equations



[tex]\sum[/tex] F = m [tex]\frac{v^{2}}{r}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm not sure on where to start or set this one up. Also, I don't know where to find the original "true" weight of the car, if the feeling on the roller coaster is twice this.

Homework Statement



Spiderman plans to cross a gap between two buildings by swinging in an arc from his web. If his arms are capable of exerting a force of 1900N on the webbing, what is the maximum speed he can tolerate at the lowest point of his swing? Spiderman's mass is 80 kg and the webbing is 4.8 m long.

Given: F = 1900N, m = 80kg, r = 2.4m[?] (the webbing is 4.8m long total so that would be the diameter, so half that would be the radius? or is 4.8m the actual radius?)

Homework Equations



[tex]\sum[/tex] F = m [tex]\frac{v^{2}}{r}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



With the radius as 2.4m, I got 7.55 m/s as the velocity.
With the radius as 4.8m, I got 10.68 m/s as the velocity.

Which one am I supposed to use and are these even the correct solutions? Help would be greatly appreciated!
 
Physics news on Phys.org


.
Welcome to Physics Forums.

rain_ex said:

Homework Statement



The passengers in a roller coaster car feel twice as heavy as their true weight as the car goes through a dip with a 30 m radius of curvature. What is the car's speed at the bottom of this dip?

Given: r = 30m, mass = twice the force due to gravity(?)
Find: Velocity

Homework Equations



[tex]\sum[/tex] F = m [tex]\frac{v^{2}}{r}[/tex]
Okay, and what are the different forces that would act on one of the passengers? These forces would go in that summation on the left side of your equation.

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm not sure on where to start or set this one up. Also, I don't know where to find the original "true" weight of the car, if the feeling on the roller coaster is twice this.
Apparent weight is the reading you'd see if the car were placed on a scale. Tough to do while it is moving, but you could imagine a passenger sitting on a scale inside the car, and the scale reading would be the apparent weight of that passenger. In other words, apparent weight is the normal force acting on the passenger or car.

Just to check, have you drawn a force diagram for the car? That's usually a good way to start one of these problems.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
6K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K