Solving Physics Problems: Problem 3 & 5

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To solve Problem 3, the angular speed of the merry-go-round can be calculated using the centripetal acceleration formula, resulting in an angular speed of 1.15 rad/s. For Problem 5, the girl's mass is determined by equating centripetal force and tangential acceleration, yielding a mass of 12.7 kg. The calculations involve using the formulas for centripetal acceleration and force, along with the given values for radius and speed. It's important to show progress in solving these problems to receive further assistance. Both problems illustrate the application of fundamental physics principles in circular motion.
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Problem 3.
A dog sits 1.4 m from the center of a merry-go-round. The dog undergoes a 1.7 m/s^2 centripetal acceleration. What is the angular speed of the merry-go-round? Answer in units of rad/s.

Problem 5.
A girl sits on a tire that is attached to an overhanging tree limb by a rope 2.30 m in length. The girl's father pushes her with a tangential speed of 3.05 m/s. Besides the force opposing the girl's weight, the magnitude of the force that maintains her circular motion is 84.7 N.
What is the girl's mass? Answer in units of kg.
Note: How would you solve this?
 
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For Problem 3, we can use the formula for centripetal acceleration, a = ω^2r, where ω is the angular speed and r is the distance from the center. Plugging in the given values, we get ω = √(a/r) = √(1.7 m/s^2 / 1.4 m) = 1.15 rad/s.

For Problem 5, we can use the formula for tangential acceleration, a = αr, where α is the angular acceleration and r is the distance from the center. We can also use the formula for centripetal force, F = mv^2/r, where m is the mass and v is the tangential speed. Since the force opposing the girl's weight is not mentioned, we can assume that it is negligible and only consider the centripetal force. Setting these two formulas equal to each other, we get αr = mv^2/r. Rearranging, we get m = αr^2/v^2. Plugging in the given values, we get m = (84.7 N * 2.30 m) / (3.05 m/s)^2 = 12.7 kg. This is the mass of the girl.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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