The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) studies the physiologic
ID: 1539209 • Letter: T
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 15 m from the center of the circle. At what speed must the chamber move so that an astronaut is subjected to 2.0 times the acceleration due to gravity?
Explanation / Answer
acceleration a = 2.0 times the acceleration due to gravity
a = 2*9.8 = 19.6 m/s2
r = 15 m
acceleration a = v2/r
v= sqrt(a*r ) = sqrt ( 19.6*15 )
v = 17.146 m/s