Question

A student has a mass of 49.2 kg and is sitting on a seat of a rollercoaster. The ride makes the seat move up and down. Determine the normal force acting on the student if they are: a) moving at a constant velocity of 10.0 m/s up3 marks) b) accelerating 2.1 m/s ^ 2 (down) 

Answer 1

a)

$$N=mg=(49.2)(9.8)=482\ N$$

b)

$$N=m(g-a)=(49.2)(9.8-2.1)=379\ N$$