Finding the force on an amusement park ride

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the forces acting on a rider in the amusement park ride "The Roundup," which has a diameter of 16 meters and completes a rotation every 4.5 seconds. The rider's mass is 55 kg. The correct calculation for the force exerted by the ride at the top and bottom of the rotation involves accounting for gravitational force. The radial acceleration is calculated using the formula F = mv²/r, but it is essential to subtract the weight (mg) at the top and add it at the bottom to find the total force experienced by the rider.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of circular motion and centripetal force
  • Familiarity with Newton's second law (F = ma)
  • Basic knowledge of gravitational force (F = mg)
  • Ability to perform calculations involving angular velocity and linear velocity
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to calculate net forces in circular motion scenarios
  • Study the relationship between angular velocity and centripetal acceleration
  • Explore the concept of critical speed for maintaining circular motion without falling
  • Investigate real-world applications of centripetal force in amusement park rides
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Physics students, engineering students, and anyone interested in the mechanics of amusement park rides and circular motion dynamics.

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Homework Statement


In an amusement park ride called The Roundup, passengers stand inside a 16-m diameter ring. After the ring has acquired sufficient speed, it tilts into a vertical plane (figure shown in book).
A Suppose the ring rotates once every 4.5 s. If a rider's mass is 55 kg, with how much force does the ring push on her at the top of the ride? At the bottom?
B. What is the longest rotation period of the wheel that will prevent the riders from falling off at the top?


Homework Equations


F = ma = mv^2/r
v = 2pi*r/t
d = 16, therefore r = 8
t = 4.5 s
m = 55 kg


The Attempt at a Solution


v = 2(\Pi(8)/4.5 = 11.17 m/s
I think that in itself is correct.

F = 55(11.17^2)/8 = 857.8 N, but this is the wrong answer.

I'm just wondering where I am going wrong.
 
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jheld said:

Homework Statement


In an amusement park ride called The Roundup, passengers stand inside a 16-m diameter ring. After the ring has acquired sufficient speed, it tilts into a vertical plane (figure shown in book).
A Suppose the ring rotates once every 4.5 s. If a rider's mass is 55 kg, with how much force does the ring push on her at the top of the ride? At the bottom?
B. What is the longest rotation period of the wheel that will prevent the riders from falling off at the top?


Homework Equations


F = ma = mv^2/r
v = 2π *r/t
d = 16, therefore r = 8
t = 4.5 s
m = 55 kg


The Attempt at a Solution


v = 2 π (8)/4.5 = 11.17 m/s
I think that in itself is correct.

F = 55(11.17^2)/8 = 857.8 N, but this is the wrong answer.

I'm just wondering where I am going wrong.

For a) you calculated the radial acceleration OK but didn't subtract the weight m*g to get your total force.

For b) if you subtract at the top, then you add at the bottom.

Finally, at what speed will the force at the top balance to 0? When is the speed such that m*g = mv2/r
 

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