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VCE Stuff => VCE Science => VCE Mathematics/Science/Technology => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE Physics => Topic started by: thatricksta on June 13, 2011, 04:45:29 pm

Title: apparent weight
Post by: thatricksta on June 13, 2011, 04:45:29 pm
ok so, ive been doing a heap of exams and have found some sort of an inconsistency with the calculation of apparent weight. (normal reaction force)

Rather than giving me the equation, id like to know if there would be a difference between calculating the normal force at the top of a circle for a plane (doing a vertical circle) or for a car going over a speed hump.

my understanding is N = mg - Fc

thanks
Title: Re: apparent weight
Post by: HCbigstick on June 13, 2011, 04:54:45 pm
On a speed hump, N = mg - Fc whereas at the top of a rollercoaster (inside), N = Fc - mg
Title: Re: apparent weight
Post by: Comma on June 13, 2011, 04:55:52 pm
Yes there is a difference.

For a car going over a speed bump, the net force is downwards and the normal reaction force is upwards
For the top of a circle for a plane, the net force is downwards, as is the normal reaction force. This then gives you N = Fc - mg
Title: Re: apparent weight
Post by: adelaide.emily10 on June 13, 2011, 04:58:06 pm
for a lift, when going up you are suppose to feel heavier then how come in vcaa 09 the normal reaction force is less than a weight force (i understamd the working out) but just slightly confused in feeling lighter or heavier.
Title: Re: apparent weight
Post by: HCbigstick on June 13, 2011, 04:59:22 pm
for a lift, when going up you are suppose to feel heavier then how come in vcaa 09 the normal reaction force is less than a weight force (i understamd the working out) but just slightly confused in feeling lighter or heavier.

Depends whether or not you are accelerating/decelerating.
Title: Re: apparent weight
Post by: adelaide.emily10 on June 13, 2011, 05:42:36 pm
so if you start from rest and accelerate up you will find that the apparent weight is equal to the weight force plus the force provided by the acceleration (f=ma) so you feel heavier
but if you are at a constant spped and then decelerate you will feel lighter because acceleration is negative????
Title: Re: apparent weight
Post by: HCbigstick on June 13, 2011, 06:06:44 pm
Correct.