What is the Apparent Weight of a Pendulum on a Trapeze?

[katkinson]

Homework Statement

I am trying to determine the apparent weight while on a trapeze/pendulum. So far, I have heard that the apparent weight is either: a. the Fnet of all vertical forces (aka Centripetal force) and b. it is the force of tension. I am not sure which it is.

Homework Equations

a. Fnet/Fn/Fc=mv^2/r=Ft-mg cos (theta)

b. Fnet/Fc=mv^2/r= Ft - mg cos (theta); Ft=Fc + mg
Ft=Fn
so: Fn= Fc + mg

FBD is attached

The Attempt at a Solution

The solution is either
Fn= Fc + mg
or
Fn= mv^2 /r

However, I don't know the reasons why either of these would be correct

 

[PhanthomJay]

The apparent weight of a person is the force that the person exerts on the 'object' in contact with the person.