Mechanics: Circular Motion and Gravitation
Circular Motion and Gravitation: Audio Guided Solution
Problem 1:
During their physics field trip to the amusement park, Tyler and Maria took a rider on the Whirligig. The Whirligig ride consists of long swings which spin in a circle at relatively high speeds. As part of their lab, Tyler and Maria estimate that the riders travel through a circle with a radius of 6.5 m and make one turn every 5.8 seconds. Determine the speed of the riders on the Whirligig.
- Read the problem carefully and develop a mental picture of the physical situation. If necessary, sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help you visualize it.
- Identify the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner. Equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity - e.g., m = 61.7 kg, v= 18.5 m/s, R = 30.9 m, Fnorm = ???.
- Use physics formulas and conceptual reasoning to plot a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity.
- Identify the appropriate formula(s) to use.
- Perform substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.
Get more information on the topic of Circular Motion and Gravitation at The Physics Classroom Tutorial.
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