What Is the Impact of a Ferris Wheel's Motion on Apparent Weight?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the apparent weight of a person on a Ferris wheel with a diameter of 28.0 meters and a revolution time of 13.3 seconds. The apparent weight is determined by the normal force acting on the person, which varies based on their position on the wheel. At the top of the Ferris wheel, the apparent weight is reduced due to the centripetal acceleration, while at the bottom, it increases because the normal force must counteract both gravity and the centripetal force. Participants debate the correct method for calculating the velocity and the ratios of apparent to real weight at both positions. The calculations involve using the formulas for circumference, velocity, and the forces acting on the person.
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Homework Statement


The apparent weight a person feels is the normal force that acts on the person. Suppose a Ferris Wheel has a diameter of 28.om and makes one revolution every 13.3 seconds. What is the ratio of a person's apparent weight to real weight a) at the top and b) at the bottom.


Homework Equations


Fn=m(v^2/r)


The Attempt at a Solution


First I found the circumference. C=\pi196
C=615.7521601
I can get the velocity by dividing that by 13.3.
v=46.2971549 m/s

So, I can then make my ratio comparison.
At top: Fn/m=2143.426552/14
At bottom: Fn/m=2143.426552/14+9.8

1) Am I working the solution out correctly?
2) How should I make my comparison? Should I leave it all in variables Fn/m=v^2/r? Leave it like I have it above? Or completely work it out Fn/m=153.1018966
 
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brutalmadness said:

Homework Statement


The apparent weight a person feels is the normal force that acts on the person. Suppose a Ferris Wheel has a diameter of 28.om and makes one revolution every 13.3 seconds. What is the ratio of a person's apparent weight to real weight a) at the top and b) at the bottom.

The person's weight will always be W=mg, top or bottom.

However, the person will always be accelerating towards the center of the wheel, and therefore there will be a force counteracting that in the opposite direction. At the top of the wheel, it will be up. At the bottom, down.

That force is ma=m\frac{v^2}{r}=m4\pi^2 \nu^2 r
 
Is your diameter 196m or 28.0m?
 
28.0m. But, C=pir^2. So it'd be pi14^2.
 
v=\frac{2\pi r}{t}
 
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