Person in cart traveling down a valley

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the apparent weight of a 60 kg person in a 20 kg cart moving at 13 m/s at the bottom of a valley with a radius of 36 m. The relevant equations include F=ma and F=(V^2/r) * (m1 + m2). The net force equation used is Fnet = Fn - Fg, leading to the calculation of apparent weight resulting in -408.44 N. The participant expresses confusion regarding the interpretation of apparent weight and the application of the equations.

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  • Basic physics principles related to motion in circular paths
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Homework Statement



A 60 kg person rides in a 20 kg cart
moving at 13 m/s at the bottom of a valley that is in the shape of an arc of a circle
with a radius of 36 m. What is the apparent weight of the person as the cart passes
the bottom of the valley?

Homework Equations



F=ma
F=(V^2/r) * (m1 + m2)

The Attempt at a Solution


Fnet = Fn - Fg
m(V^2/r) - mg
80(169/36) - 80(9.8)
= -408.44
...im stuck. I don't feel like this is right and I don't know where I really went wrong
 
Last edited:
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You have the right equations and all, but take a step back for a second. In the context of the problem, what does apparent weight represent? What quantity represents it?
 

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