Theme Park Physics: Calculating Velocity at 4.5 g

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the velocity of a pod at point C of the 'Tower of Terror' ride, which experiences a centripetal acceleration of 4.5 g while navigating a curve with a radius of 50 m. Using the formula for centripetal acceleration, \( a_c = \frac{v^2}{r} \), the velocity is determined to be 47 m/s. The calculation incorporates gravitational acceleration, yielding a final velocity of 47 m/s at the top of the curve. This analysis is crucial for understanding the dynamics of amusement park rides.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of centripetal acceleration and its formula
  • Basic knowledge of kinematics and motion equations
  • Familiarity with gravitational acceleration (9.8 m/s²)
  • Ability to perform square root calculations
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  • Explore advanced topics in centripetal motion and forces
  • Learn about electromagnetism applications in amusement rides
  • Study the physics of roller coasters and ride dynamics
  • Investigate safety measures in high-acceleration amusement park rides
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, amusement park engineers, and anyone interested in the mechanics of high-speed rides and their safety considerations.

schan11
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I really need help with this question.

The ‘Tower of Terror’ is a 400 m track that stretches for 300 m horizontally before curving
upward for 100 m . A 6 tonne pod with 16 people aboard (total mass about
7000 kg) is accelerated from rest (point A) to 160 km/h (at point B) along the horizontal
section by electromagnets that draw 2.2 megawatts for 6 s. After this the pod goes
unassisted into a vertical curve of radius 100 m, which gradually tightens to a curve of
radius 50 m (point C) before traveling vertically for the last part of the trip.
By this stage 12 s has elapsed (point D). In another 12 s the pod will be back to the start.




At the top of the curve (point C), the centripetal acceleration is 4.5 g. Calculate
the velocity at this point.
 

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A lot of numbers are provided, but only two count as far as finding the velocity at point C, the centripetal acceleration ##a_c## and the local radius of curvature ##r##.
$$a_c=\frac{v^2}{r}~\rightarrow~v=\sqrt{a_c~r}=\sqrt{4.5\times 9.8~\rm{m/s^2}\times 50~\rm{m}}=47~\rm{m/s}$$
Answer: The velocity at point (C) is 47 m/s straight up.
 

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