The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) studies the physiologic
ID: 2032216 • 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 2.7 times the acceleration due to gravity?
_____m/s
Explanation / Answer
accelaration is a = V^2/R
given that
a = 2.7*g = 2.7*9.8
R = 15 m
then
2.7*9.8 = v^2/15
v^2 = 2.7*9.8*15
v = sqrt(2.7*9.8*15) = 19.92 m/s