Rollercoaster normal force question

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around calculating the normal force exerted by a rotating amusement park ride, specifically The Roundup, with a diameter of 19.0 meters and a rotation period of 5.50 seconds. A rider with a mass of 52.0 kg experiences a force at the top of the ride, which can be determined using the centripetal force equation, F_c = m(v^2)/r, and the relationship between angular velocity and period, ω = 2π/T. The participants emphasize the importance of correctly interpreting the rotation period and converting it to angular velocity to accurately compute the normal force.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of centripetal force and its formula, F_c = m(v^2)/r
  • Knowledge of angular velocity and its relationship with rotation period, ω = 2π/T
  • Basic physics concepts related to forces acting on objects in circular motion
  • Ability to perform unit conversions and calculations involving mass, radius, and gravitational force
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to derive angular velocity from rotation period in circular motion
  • Study the effects of varying mass and radius on centripetal force calculations
  • Explore the relationship between gravitational force and normal force in vertical circular motion
  • Investigate real-world applications of centripetal force in amusement park ride design
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Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of circular motion and forces in amusement park rides.

leejos16
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Homework Statement


In an amusement park ride called The Roundup, passengers stand inside a 19.0m -diameter rotating ring. After the ring has acquired sufficient speed, it tilts into a vertical plane, as shown in the figure

1. Suppose the ring rotates once every 5.50s . If a rider's mass is 52.0kg , with how much force does the ring push on her at the top of the ride?

2. What is the longest rotation period of the wheel that will prevent the riders from falling off at the top?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm pretty sure that I have to use the equation n=m(v^2)/r - mg to get the force, but I keep getting the wrong answer HelP~
 
Last edited:
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Well hello Leejos, welcome to PF :smile:

The way things work here is you can get top notch assistance -- provided you make an effort yourself too, and show it.

##F_c = {m\;v^2\over r}## is a good start and you can list it under 2. relevant equations. You have m, you have r but you need another equation to get a grip on v. What could that be ? And then you can calculate an ##F_c##, but how does that relate to the force the ring exercises on the person ?
 
Try relating time period to centrifugal force, without using v
Using ##\omega##,, any idea?
 
OK first I did 5.50rps*2*pi*9.5 to get velocity. Than I used it in the equation n=52kg(328m/s)^2/9.5 - (52*9.8)
Is something wrong?
 
No YES! 5.5 s/turn is not the same as 5.5 turns per second !
 
Except I hadn't seen that equation before in this thread. But it's the right one.
 
But that's because I didn't read carefully enough o:)
I am now so brainwashed that I look for relevant equations under relevant equations.
And for attempt at solution I look under attempt at solution :wink:
 
hmm then are you saying that my velocity is wrong then? Any suggesstions how to solve it then?
 
See post #5.
 
  • #10
Leejos, if your have so much trouble finding v.
try ##find \omega## from the given time $$\omega = \frac{2 \pi}{T}$$
then use
$$F_c = MR\omega²$$
 
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