Solving for Centripetal Force using an Free Body Diagram

Question

• Gabriella (75  kg) rides a roller coaster. What is her acceleration at the top of the vertical loop if she feels like her weight is 1200N?

 

• What is Gabriella's acceleration at the bottom of the vertical loop if she feels like she weighs 2600N?

 

SOLVE BOTH QUESTIONS BY SHOWING WORK (PHYSICS EQUATIONS AND SUCH)

Answer 1

At top,

 

a = F/m = 1200 N / 75 kg = 16 m/s^2

 

At bottom,

 

a = F/m = 2600 N / 75 kg = 34.67 m/s^2