Normal Forces on a Ferris Wheel: Is the Top or Bottom Greater?

[Dannystu]

Homework Statement

A Ferris wheel rider moves in a vertical circle of radius r at constant speed v. Therefore, he experiences a centripetal acceleration a.

Homework Equations

Is the normal force that the seat exerts on the rider at the top of the circle less than, more than, or the same as the normal force the the bottom of the ride?

Is the normal force equal to the weight?

Explain your answers using Newton's 2nd Law with centripetal acceleration.

Thank you!

 

[danago]

What are your thoughts on the question? Try drawing a free body diagram of the rider at both the top and bottom of the circle.

 

[Dannystu]

I drew my free body diagram- when the rider is on top, I have the normal force pointing up and weight and acceleration pointing down towards the center of the wheel.

When the rider is at the bottom, the normal force and acceleration are pointing up and the weight is pointing down.

For top-
F=m*a
-Fn+mg=m*a

For bottom-
F=m*a
Fn-mg=m*a

Is this right so far?

 

[PhanthomJay]

yes.

 

[Dannystu]

So the normal force is greater at the bottom? Correct? Thanks!

 

[PhanthomJay]

Correct.