Some amusement parks have a double Ferris wheel, which consists of two
Vertically rotating wheels that are attached to each other by a bar that also
Rotates. There are eight gondolas equally spaced on each wheel. Riders
Experience a combination of two circular motions that provide a sensation
More thrilling than the classic single Ferris wheel. In particular, riders
Experience the greatest sensation when their rate of change in height is the
Greatest.
? Each of the two wheels is 6 m in
Diameter and revolves every 12 s.
? The rotating bar is 9 m long. The
Ends of the bar are attached to the
Centres of the wheels.
? The height from the ground to
The centre of the bar is 8 m. The
Bar makes a complete revolution
Every 20 s.
? A rider starts seated at the
Lowest position and moves
Counterclockwise.
? The bar starts in the vertical
Position.
Consider the height of a rider who begins the ride in the lowest car.
b) Explain how the sum of these two functions gives the rider?s height above
The ground after t seconds.
d) What is the maximum height reached by the rider? When does this occur?
e) What is the maximum vertical speed of the rider? When does this occur?