Question

Riders on the Power Tower are launched skyward with an acceleration of 4g (where g is the free fall acceleration), after which they experience a period of free fall. What would be the apparent weight of a 65 kg rider during the launch and during the period of free fall, respectively?

Answer 1

The apparent weight of rider during skyward launch is 3185 N

The apparent weight of rider during free fall is zero

Step-by-step explanation:

Given;

acceleration of the rider, a = 4g

mass of the rider, m = 65 kg

The apparent weight of rider during skyward launch is given by Newton's second law of motion;

R = W + F

Where;

W is weight of the rider

F is the upward force of the rider

R is the apparent weight of the rider

R = mg + ma

R = m (g + a)

R = 65(g + 4g)

R = 65(5g)

R = 65( 5 x 9.8)

R = 3185 N

The apparent weight of rider during free fall;

R = W - F

R = mg - ma

R = m(g -a)

During free fall , g = a

R = m(0)

R = 0