As part of their training, NASA astronauts are placed in large rotating machines
ID: 1437148 • Letter: A
Question
As part of their training, NASA astronauts are placed in large rotating machines to see how well their bodies can withstand various "g" forces. (One g equals the gravitational force of gravity at the earth's surface.) (a) What rotational speed is needed in a device with radius 6.25 m to allow a 75.8-kg astronaut to experience a force that is twice his normal weight or "2 g"? (b) What rotational speed is needed to achieve a "4 g" effect? (c) Would the rotational speeds found in (a) and (b) change if the astronaut had a different mass?Explanation / Answer
(a)
For 2g,
Centripetal Force = Weight of the astronaut.
mv^2/r = 2*m*g
v^2/6.25 = 2*9.8
v = 11.068 m/s
(b)
For 4g,
Centripetal Force = Weight of the astronaut.
mv^2/r = 4*m*g
v^2/6.25 = 4*9.8
v = 15.65 m/s
(c)
No they would not as they are not dependent on mass.
Related Questions
Navigate
Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.