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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