A pilot is flying a small plane at 30.0 m/s in a circular path with a radius of 100.0 m. If a centripetal force of 635 N is needed to maintain the pilot’s circular motion, what is the pilot’s mass?

Answer 1

The centripetal force needed to maintain circular motion is given by the formula:

F = m * v^2 / r

Where:
F = centripetal force (635 N)
m = mass of the pilot (to be found)
v = velocity of the plane (30.0 m/s)
r = radius of the circular path (100.0 m)

Substitute the given values into the formula:

635 N = m * (30.0 m/s)^2 / 100.0 m

Simplify:

635 N = m * 9 m/s^2
m = 635 N / 9 m/s^2
m = 70.555 kg

Therefore, the mass of the pilot is 70.555 kg.