How to find magnitude of centripetal acceleration and of net force?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving centripetal acceleration and net force in the context of a ferris wheel. The original poster presents a scenario with specific values for radius and speed, seeking to determine the centripetal acceleration and the net force acting on a rider.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of centripetal acceleration using the provided formula and question the subsequent steps needed to find the net force. There is an exploration of whether multiplying the acceleration by mass is the correct approach for part B.

Discussion Status

Some participants express agreement with the calculated value for centripetal acceleration and confirm the approach for finding net force. There is a sense of clarification among participants regarding the steps involved, though no explicit consensus is reached on the final answers.

Contextual Notes

The problem is framed within the constraints of a homework assignment, with specific values given for radius, speed, and mass. Participants are navigating the requirements of the problem without providing complete solutions.

starplaya
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Homework Statement


A ferris wheel at a carnival has a radius of 12 m and turns so that the speed of the riders is 8m/s
a) what is the magnitude of the centripetal acceleration of the riders?
b) what is the magnitude of the net force required to produce this centripetal acceleration for a rider with a mass of 70kg?


Homework Equations



Centripetal acceleration = v^2/r
F = ma
Fnet = N - W = m(centripetal acceleration)

The Attempt at a Solution



centripetal acceleration = 8^2/ 12 = 5.33 m/s^2
 
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starplaya said:
centripetal acceleration = 8^2/ 12 = 5.33 m/s^2
Looks good.
 
Doc Al said:
Looks good.

so, 5.33 m/s^2 would be the answer for part A and for part B i just multiply the acceleration by the mass?
 
starplaya said:
so, 5.33 m/s^2 would be the answer for part A and for part B i just multiply the acceleration by the mass?
That's correct.
 
Boy was I over thinking that. Thanks a lot for the clarification
 

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