In some amusement parks, one particular ride requires the occupant to stand on the floor, leaning against the (vertical) inside wall of a huge cylinder that rotates about its axis of symmetry. At some instant during the ride, the floor is "removed" so that it no longer makes contact with the feet of the occupant, who remains "pressed" against the wall. Parameters relevant to the safety of the ride include all of the following except
A) the coefficient of friction between the wall and the clothes of the occupant.
B) the radius of curvature of the cylinder.
C) the weight of the occupant.
D) the tangential speed of the cylinder.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The weight of the occupant does not directly affect the safety in terms of remaining pressed against the wall, as this is primarily determined by the centrifugal force (related to the tangential speed and radius of the cylinder) and the friction between the occupant and the wall.

In Some Amusement Parks, One Particular Ride Requires the Occupant