Final answer:
The force the seat exerts on the child at the top of a ferris wheel is the child's weight minus the centripetal force, while at the bottom, it is the child's weight plus the centripetal force.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question involves understanding centripetal force on a ferris wheel, which is a concept in Physics. The force exerted by the seat on the child at both the top and bottom of the ferris wheel ride can be determined using Newton's second law and the equation for centripetal force.
Top of the Ferris Wheel
At the top of the ferris wheel, the centripetal force is directed towards the center of the circle, which is opposite the direction of the child's weight. Thus, the total force exerted by the seat on the child (normal force) is the child's weight minus the centripetal force needed to keep the child moving in a circular path.
Bottom of the Ferris Wheel
At the bottom of the ferris wheel, the centripetal force and the child's weight both act downward. Therefore, the total force exerted by the seat on the child is the child's weight plus the centripetal force.