Rollercoaster normal force question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem related to forces experienced by riders in a rotating amusement park ride, specifically focusing on the normal force exerted by the ride at the top of the rotation. The problem involves concepts from circular motion and dynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the centripetal force and the normal force, questioning how to derive the necessary velocity from the given period of rotation. There are attempts to clarify the correct interpretation of the rotation period and its implications for calculating forces.

Discussion Status

Several participants have offered guidance on the equations relevant to the problem, with some suggesting alternative methods to find the velocity. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct approach to relate the period of rotation to the forces acting on the rider, but no consensus has been reached on the specific calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating potential misunderstandings regarding the conversion of rotation period to angular velocity and the implications for calculating forces. There is an emphasis on ensuring that all variables are correctly interpreted and applied in the context of the problem.

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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