A 50-kg child riding a Ferris wheel (radius = 10 m) travels in a vertical circle. The wheel completes one revolution every 10 s. What is the magnitude of the force on the child by the seat at the highest point on the circular path?
A) 0.29 kN
B) 0.49 kN
C) 0.69 kN
D) 0.20 kN
E) 0.40 kN

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

At the highest point, the force on the child by the seat is equal to the centripetal force required to keep the child moving in a circle. The centripetal force is given by:$$F_c = mv^2/r$$where:* m is the mass of the child (50 kg)* v is the speed of the child (2πr/T = 2π(10 m)/10 s = 6.28 m/s)* r is the radius of the circle (10 m)Plugging in these values, we get:$$F_c = (50 kg)(6.28 m/s)^2/10 m = 290 N = 0.29 kN$$

A 50-Kg Child Riding a Ferris Wheel (Radius = 10