At the bottom of the wheel, the weight acts downwards and the support force acts upwards. The centripetal force is given by S - mg, where S is the support force and mg is the weight.At maximum height, the weight acts downwards and the support force (reaction) from the seat acts upwards so the centripetal force is given by mv2/r = mg - R.When v2 = gr, there will be no support force on the person from the seat i.e. R = 0.The centripetal force F = mv2/r = mω2r
The London Eye
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Specification: Edexcel Physics (9PH0), A-level, Topic 6: Further Mechanics. Topic: Further Mechanics.
Key terms in this lesson
- centripetal force
- The resultant force directed towards the centre of a circular path that keeps an object moving along that circle.
More in Further Mechanics
- Centripetal Acceleration
- Proof - centripetal acceleration
- Centripetal Force
- On the Road
- A Spin Dryer
- Momentum as a Vector
- Conservation of Momentum in Two Dimensions
- Resolving Momentum in Collisions
All 15 lessons in Further Mechanics · All Edexcel A-level Physics topics