Question

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) studies the physiological effects of large accelerations on astronauts. Some of these studies use a machine known as a centrifuge. This machine consists of a long arm, to one end of which is attached a chamber in which the astronaut sits. The other end of the arm is connected to an axis about which the arm and chamber can be rotated. The astronaut moves on a circular path, much like a model airplane flying in a circle on a guideline. The chamber is located 18.0 m from the center of the circle. At what speed must the chamber move so that an astronaut is subjected to 5.48 times the acceleration due to gravity?

Answer 1

Given,

The position of the chamber is 18 m from the center of the circle, r = 18 m

a = 5.48 * g

= 5.48 * 9.8

= 53.704 m / s²

Where, a is the centripetal acceleration which is given as,

a = V² r

53.704 = V² / 18

V² = 53.704 * 18

V² = 966.672

V = 31.09 m/s