Re: gravitational sensations--was Work/Energy theorem ?

["Stanley J. McCaslin" <mccaslin@pscosf.peru.edu>]

At 11:15 AM 4/7/97 -0700, you wrote:
> I never interpret or teach the upward force of the ground as my weight!
> I can't think of a more confusing interpretation. I teach my students
> that weight is the force of gravity which acts downward on everyone.

I always had trouble explaining the Ferris Wheel problems until I started
suggesting that our sensation of weight is due to the upward force that
opposes gravity and keeps us from falling.  This, IMHO, gives a much more
cogent explaination of why the rider feels near weightless at the top and
feels twice as heavy as normal at the bottom of a Ferris Wheel moving at the
appropriate speed.  

Stanley J. McCaslin                     Inet: mccaslin@bobcat.peru.edu
Assistant Professor, Computer Science   Phone:402/872-2208
Peru State College, Peru, NE  68421     Home: 402/872-7595