Rotational motion and center of a car

[gigglin_horse]

Homework Statement

This question is based on the chapter of "rotational motion":

"Why does sitting closest to the center of a vehicle provide the most comfortable ride in a bus traveling on a bumpy road, a ship in choppy seas, or an airplane in turbulent air?"

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Something to do with being at the center of a circle...?
But a bus on bumpy road isn't a circle...?

 

[berkeman]

Homework Statement

This question is based on the chapter of "rotational motion":

"Why does sitting closest to the center of a vehicle provide the most comfortable ride in a bus traveling on a bumpy road, a ship in choppy seas, or an airplane in turbulent air?"

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Something to do with being at the center of a circle...?
But a bus on bumpy road isn't a circle...?

The question does seem to be a bit misplaced in that section, but not way off base. Hint -- think of the ship question, when the wavelength from crest-to-crest is about twice as long as the ship... The bumpiness or wavelength compared to the vehicle makes a difference, no?

 

[thomate1]

I would like to provide an explanation for why sitting closest to the center of a vehicle provides the most comfortable ride in various scenarios. This is due to the concept of rotational motion, which is the movement of an object around a fixed point or axis. In this case, the vehicle is the object and the fixed point or axis is the center of the vehicle.

When a vehicle is in motion, it experiences various forces acting on it, such as gravity, friction, and air resistance. These forces can cause the vehicle to rotate or tilt, resulting in a bumpy or uncomfortable ride. However, when a person sits closest to the center of the vehicle, they are located at the axis of rotation, which means they will experience less rotational motion compared to someone sitting at the edges of the vehicle.

In other words, the closer a person is to the center of the vehicle, the smaller their distance from the axis of rotation, and therefore the smaller the radius of the circular motion they experience. This results in a smoother and more stable ride, as the person is not being subjected to as much rotational force.

Furthermore, the center of mass of a vehicle is typically located at its center, which means that when a person sits at the center, they are in a more balanced position. This helps to minimize the effects of external forces acting on the vehicle, making the ride more comfortable.

In conclusion, the reason why sitting closest to the center of a vehicle provides the most comfortable ride is due to the principles of rotational motion and the location of the vehicle's center of mass. This is why it is often recommended for individuals seeking a smoother ride to sit in the center of a bus, ship, or airplane.