A Ferris wheel with radius 14.0 m is turning about a horizontal axis through its

Question

A Ferris wheel with radius 14.0 m is turning about a horizontal axis through its center (the figure (Figure 1) ). The linear speed of a passenger on the rim is constant and equal to 6.32 m/s .

Part A

What is the magnitude of the passenger's acceleration as she passes through the lowest point in her circular motion?

Part B

What is the direction of the passenger's acceleration as she passes through the lowest point in her circular motion?

select(toward the center or outward the center)

Part C

What is the magnitude of the passenger's acceleration as she passes through the highest point in her circular motion?

Part D

What is the direction of the passenger's acceleration as she passes through the highest point in her circular motion?

select(toward the center or outward the center)

Part E

How much time does it take the Ferris wheel to make one revolution?

Explanation / Answer

Part A, B, C, D

r = radius,
v = passenger's speed,
a =acceleration,
t = time for one revolution.

a = v2 / r
= 6.322 / 14.0
= 2.853 m/s2

The acceleration is constant in magnitude, and directed towards the centre of the wheel.

At the bottom, it is 2.853 m/s2 upwards.
At the top, the acceleration is 4.13 m/s2 downwards.
Part E
t = 2 r / v
= 2 x 14.0 / 6.32
= 13.91 sec.

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