Question

Riders on the power tower are launched skyward with an acceleration of 4g, after which they experience a period of free fall. what is a 60 kg rider's apparent weight during the launch?

Answer 1

During the launch, the person was accelerating against the gravity, therefore the equation we use in this case is:

F = m * (g + a)

where m is mass = 60 kg, g is gravity = 9.81 m/s^2, a is acceleration = 4 * g

therefore:

F = m * (g + 4 g)

F = m * 5 g

F = 60 kg * 5 * (9.81 m/s^2)

F = 2943 N