Determine the force exerted by the seat on the child at the bottom of the ride

[Khaliya Ross]

A child of mass m rides on a Ferris wheel as shown in figure (a). The child moves in a vertical circle of radius 14.5 m at a constant speed of 2.85 m/s.

Determine the force exerted by the seat on the child at the bottom of the ride. Express your answer in terms of the weight of the child mg.

I did
F= n_bottom-mg=ma_c
F= mg + ma_c
F= mg( 1+ (ma_c/mg))
F= mg(1+ (a_c/g)
a_c=v²/r
F= mg(1+(v²/rg))
F= mg(1+(2.85²/(14.5*9.8)))
F= mg(1+.057)
F=1.057mg

and I got this right.

Calculate the magnitude of the force on the child causing the centripetal acceleration if the ride is midway up the circle (on his way up). Express your answer in terms of mg.

I am confused in how to start this problem and what forces I should use.

 

[scottdave]

I think this should be in the homework section, rather than General Physics. Do you know what direction the acceleration it in, for rotational motion? In the meantime, you may find this Standupmaths video useful.