Question

A 38-kilogram child roller skates on a circular track with a radius of 24 m. Her velocity is 6.0 m/s. How much centripetal force does she experience?

A) 0.16 N

B) 0.38 N

C) 57 N

D) 580 N

Answer 1

Force = mass * centripetal acceleration; F = m*a

Centripetal acceleration, a = velocity^2 / radius; a = v^2 / r

F = m * v^2 / r

F = 38 kg * [6.0 m/s]^2 / 24 m = 57 N

Answer: option C) 57 N