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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the apparent weight experienced by a person on a Ferris Wheel, specifically examining how this weight changes at the top and bottom of the ride. The problem involves concepts from circular motion and forces, particularly the relationship between normal force and apparent weight.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of velocity and the normal force, questioning the correctness of the initial setup and the interpretation of the problem. There are inquiries about the diameter of the Ferris Wheel and the formulas used for calculating apparent weight.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights into the physics involved and questioning assumptions about the diameter and calculations. Some guidance on the formulas is offered, but there is no explicit consensus on the approach to take.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the diameter of the Ferris Wheel, which impacts the calculations. Participants are also exploring different ways to express the relationships between forces and weights without reaching a final resolution.

brutalmadness
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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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