Question

An 80-ft-diameter Ferris wheel rotates once every 26 s .

Part A

What is the apparent weight of a 66 kg passenger at the lowest point of the circle? Express your answer in SI units.

Express your answer to two significant figures and include the appropriate units.

Part B

What is the apparent weight of a 66 kg passenger at the highest point of the circle? Express your answer in SI units.

Express your answer to two significant figures and include the appropriate units.

Answer 1

referring figure: instead of T we have the normal reaction of the seat on the passenger N, which is a measure of the apparent weight.

at high:
equation is mg - N = m(v²/r) -----------------------> (i)
r = 40(0.3048) m = 12.192 m
ω = (1/26)2π rad/s
and v = rω = (12.192/26)2π = 2.95 m/s

from (i) => N = m[g - (v²/r)] = 66[9.81 - (2.95²/12.192)] = 600.35 N

at low:
N - mg = m(v²/r)
or N = m[g + (v²/r)] = 66[9.81 + (2.95²/12.192)] = 694.57 N


hope this helps