Solving a Circular Motion Problem: Is Something Wrong?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving a circular motion problem involving a child on a Ferris wheel. The user converts the rotation speed from revolutions per minute to radians per second and calculates the radius as 9.5 meters. They apply the formula for centripetal acceleration, a_c = ω²R, and arrive at a value of 8.44 m/s². However, they express uncertainty about their conversion of 4.5 rev/min, suspecting it should equal 3π/20 rad/sec. The main focus is on verifying the calculations and ensuring the correct application of formulas in circular motion.
RoyalewithCh33s3
Messages
15
Reaction score
0
Hello again, tonite I am working on more homework and I am stuck on a problem involving circular motion. Here's the question:

Q: A 24 kg child takes a ride on a fast Ferris wheel that rotates 4.5 times each minute and has a diameter of 19 m. (a) What is the centripetal acceleration of the child?

Ok so I would start out by turning 4.5 rev/min into rad/sec:

4.5 rev/min x \frac {1 min}{60 sec} x \frac{2 \pi rad}{1 rev} = .3\pi \frac{rad}{sec}

Then R = 9.5m

a_c=\omega^2R

a_c=9.5(.3\pi)^2

a_c ended up being 8.44 m/s for me.

Is there something I'm doing wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
4.5 rev/min = 3pi/20 rad/sec
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'Calculation of Tensile Forces in Piston-Type Water-Lifting Devices at Elevated Locations'

Thread 'Calculation of Tensile Forces in Piston-Type Water-Lifting Devices at Elevated Locations'

Figure 1 Overall Structure Diagram Figure 2: Top view of the piston when it is cylindrical A circular opening is created at a height of 5 meters above the water surface. Inside this opening is a sleeve-type piston with a cross-sectional area of 1 square meter. The piston is pulled to the right at a constant speed. The pulling force is（Figure 2）： F = ρshg = 1000 × 1 × 5 × 10 = 50,000 N. Figure 3: Modifying the structure to incorporate a fixed internal piston When I modify the piston...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Circular motion, coin on a rotating disk
Replies
2
Views
733
What actually is the centripetal acceleration formula?
Replies
28
Views
3K
What is the meaning of work done for non-uniform circular motion?
Replies
11
Views
2K
Circular Motion With Constant Angular Acceleration
Replies
3
Views
2K
Circular Motion Questions (energies, forces, angular velocities, etc.)
Replies
2
Views
1K
Velocity of uniform circular motion
Replies
17
Views
3K
Calculating Revolutions for a Spinning Wheel | Circular Motion Problem
Replies
18
Views
2K
What are the equations for circular motion on a Ferris wheel with R2D2?
Replies
12
Views
2K
Circular motion question - finding rpm
Replies
8
Views
4K
Centrifuge Problem (Circular Motion)
Replies
2
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top