Answer:
v = 7.67 m/s
Explanation:
The equation for apparent weight in the situation of weightlessness is given as:
Apparent Weight = m(g - a)
where,
Apparent Weight = 360 N
m = mass passenger = 61.2 kg
a = acceleration of roller coaster
g = acceleration due to gravity = 9.8 m/s²
Therefore,
360 N = (61.2 kg)(9.8 m/s² - a)
9.8 m/s² - a = 360 N/61.2 kg
a = 9.8 m/s² - 5.88 m/s²
a = 3.92 m/s²
Since, this acceleration is due to the change in direction of velocity on a circular path. Therefore, it can b represented by centripetal acceleration and its formula is given as:
a = v²/r
where,
a = centripetal acceleration = 3.92 m/s²
v = speed of roller coaster = ?
r = radius of circular rise = 15 m
Therefore,
3.92 m/s² = v²/15 m
v² = (3.92 m.s²)(15 m)
v = √(58.8 m²/s²)
<u>v = 7.67 m/s</u>
