Question

A rider on a Ferris wheel shown below travels at a constant speed. Is the rider’s apparent weight of the rider greater at the top or the bottom? Explain using physical reasoning and FBDs if necessary.

Answer 1

Solution :

Ahe top of the ride :

There is the gravitational force pulling down and the seat (the normal force) pushing up. The direction of the acceleration at this instant is downward toward the center of the circle.

Using the force-acceleration relationship in this vertical (y-axis) direction, We get:

N - mg = m a_y = m ( - ω²R)

Therefore apparent weight will be : N = m ( g - ω²R)

Thus : At the top of the ferris wheel, your apparent weight will be lower than your actual weight by some amount that depends on both the size of the ferris wheel and the angular velocity.

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Now, At the bottom of the ride :

Here, N - mg = m a_y = m (ω²R)

Therefore apparent weight will be : N = m ( g + ω²R)

Thus : At the Bottom of the ferris wheel, your apparent weight will be Greater than your actual weight by some amount that depends on both the size of the ferris wheel and the angular velocity.

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