A Ferris wheel rotates slowly about a horizontal axis. Passengers sit on seats that remain horizontal on the Ferris wheel as it rotates. Which type of force provides the centripetal acceleration on the passengers when they are at the top of the Ferris wheel?
a) centrifugal
b) normal
c) gravity
d) tension
THINK:
The gravitational force acts on the passenger, when he is at the top of the Ferris wheel.
ANSWER:
The Ferris wheel rotates slowly about a horizontal axis. When the passenger is at the top of the Ferris wheel, the gravitational force will acts towards the center. Hence, the centripetal force will be provided by the gravitational force.
CORRECT OPTION:
The option c is correct.
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