Work Done by Theme Park Machine on Rider

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the work done by a theme park machine on a rider being lifted to a height of 78 meters. The force exerted by the machine is represented as mg, but there is confusion regarding the normal force and whether it must exceed gravitational force to achieve upward acceleration. It is clarified that a force slightly greater than mg is sufficient to lift the rider at a constant speed, as the net force during this phase is minimal. The conversation also touches on the machine's design, suggesting it can hold multiple riders safely even when not in operation. Overall, the key point is understanding the relationship between the forces acting on the rider during the lift.
Balsam
Messages
226
Reaction score
8

Homework Statement


A drop tower lifts riders at a constant speed to a height of 78m and suddenly drops them. Determine the work done on a 56kg rider by the machine as she is lifted to the top of the ride.
F=mg
displacement=78m
θ= 0 degrees

Homework Equations


W=FΔdcosθ

The Attempt at a Solution


I solved this problem, by plugging in mg as the force. But, I am confused. If you plug in mg as the force exerted by the machine on the rider, doesn't that mean that the normal force exerted on the rider is the force that lifts them up 78m. How does that make any sense? Shouldn't there be a force with a magnitude greater than Fg to lift the rider up. Doesn't having Fn and Fg as the only y component forces mean that there's no (Fnet)y? That would mean there's no acceleration in the y component, which there is because the rider is lifted up 78m. Can someone please explain this to me?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Fnet = T - mg = ma
Where; T = tension (at rest).

The problem statement seems to be only concerned with the amount of acceleration force needed to lift the '56kg rider'.

Can we presume that the machine is designed to hold multiple riders even when turned off, such that energy is only consumed through acceleration?
 
Balsam said:

Homework Statement


A drop tower lifts riders at a constant speed to a height of 78m and suddenly drops them. Determine the work done on a 56kg rider by the machine as she is lifted to the top of the ride.
F=mg
displacement=78m
θ= 0 degrees

Homework Equations


W=FΔdcosθ

The Attempt at a Solution


I solved this problem, by plugging in mg as the force. But, I am confused. If you plug in mg as the force exerted by the machine on the rider, doesn't that mean that the normal force exerted on the rider is the force that lifts them up 78m. How does that make any sense? Shouldn't there be a force with a magnitude greater than Fg to lift the rider up. Doesn't having Fn and Fg as the only y component forces mean that there's no (Fnet)y? That would mean there's no acceleration in the y component, which there is because the rider is lifted up 78m. Can someone please explain this to me?
A force only slightly higher than mg is all that is required to lift the rider.
 

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 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
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

Centripetal Forces and Speed Question
Replies
1
Views
1K
What is the normal force exerted on a suitcase being pulled at an angle?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Problem in understaning potential energy
Replies
9
Views
2K
About work done through exercise (push ups)
Replies
4
Views
3K
What Forces Act on a Motorcyclist Accelerating Up an Incline?
Replies
3
Views
3K
Lifting an object, kinetic energy, work and forces
Replies
11
Views
5K
Questions Regarding a Cat Going Up a Ramp
2
Replies
56
Views
3K
Tension in Ropes: Solving Forces on Trunk
Replies
7
Views
5K
Simulated circular motion on a roller coaster
Replies
5
Views
3K
Complex Kinematics and Dynamics
Replies
8
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top