Question

Riders on a ferris wheel move in a circle with a speed of 4.0 m/s. As they go around, they
experience a centripetal acceleration of 2.0 m/s2. What is the diameter of this particular
Ferris Wheel?

Answer 1

Answer: D = 16m

Explanation: given values: a = 2 m/s2, v = 4 m/s
In this case we have to determine the diameter of the Ferris wheel.
Diameter of circle is given as: D = 2.r.
First we have to find radius of wheel. The best way to find that is using the centripetal acceleration equation: a = v2/r
Plug in values in above equation to find radius: 2 m/s2 = (4 m/s)2/r 2 m/s2 = (16 m2/s2)/r r = (16 m2/s2)/2 m/s2
r = 8.0m
Diameter of Ferris wheel is:
D = 2.r.
D = 2.8m
D = 16m