Help with apparent weight problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the apparent weight of a pilot in an airplane pulling out of a dive in a vertical circle with a radius of 1.0 km and a speed of 550 km/h. The key formula used is centripetal acceleration, expressed as a_c = v^2/r, which leads to the conclusion that the apparent weight is 19800 times greater than the true weight of the pilot. The problem emphasizes the importance of understanding the forces acting on the pilot, including gravitational force and centripetal force.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of centripetal force and acceleration
  • Familiarity with the concept of apparent weight
  • Knowledge of basic physics equations, specifically F = ma
  • Ability to convert units, such as km/h to m/s
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of centripetal force equations in detail
  • Learn how to convert between different units of speed and force
  • Explore the concept of normal force in varying gravitational contexts
  • Practice additional problems involving circular motion and forces
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for AP Physics students, educators teaching centripetal motion, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of forces in circular motion.

vee123
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I need help with a physics problem ASAP please :)

I am currently in AP Physics and we are studying centripetal force. My teacher gave me a problem that is driving me crazy because I don't know where to begin with it, and I have a test tomorrow...

Here's the problem:

An airplane pulls out of a dive in a vertical circle of radius 1.0 km traveling with a speed of 550km/h. How many times greater is the apparent weight of the pilot than his true weight?

Can someone please help me?
 
Last edited:
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The true weight would be your weight if you were standing on the surface of the earth. This is because your weight is the normal force acting on you. If you were just standing on the surface, the normal force would oppose gravity which is the only other force acting on you. Thus, your weight would be the force of gravity, mg. In this situation, why would that be any different?
 
vee123 said:
I am currently in AP Physics and we are studying centripetal force. My teacher gave me a problem that is driving me crazy because I don't know where to begin with it.

Here's the problem:

An airplane pulls out of a dive in a vertical circle of radius 1.0 km traveling with a speed of 550km/h. How many times greater is the apparent weight of the pilot than his true weight?

Any suggestions?

Here's another hint: It's important where in the loop the plane is (does the question specify that?)
 
It doesn't specify where in the loop the plane is. I just want to know how to get through this problem. I'm so confused! :(
 
<br /> F = ma_c<br />

and

a_c = v^2/r

so the ratio between the centripetal Force and the normal weight 9.8m is

\frac{m(v^2/r)}{9.8m} = \frac{1980000000}{1000*9.8} = 19800
 

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