Do you feel heavier at the top of a Ferris wheel?

The centripetal acceleration always points towards the center of the circle. So at the bottom of the circle, the centripetal acceleration is pointing up, so riders feel heavier than their true weight. At the top of the circle, it is pointing down, so riders feel lighter than their true weight.



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The same can be said for this phenomenon on roller coasters. “You feel very light at the top of loops, but heavier than usual at the bottom” (Boston University).

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At the bottom of the loop, gravity and the change in direction of the passenger's inertia from a downward vertical direction to one that is horizontal push the passenger into the seat, causing the passenger to once again feel very heavy.

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A Ferris wheel goes round and round. Up to the top you ride feeling the wind in your face and seeing all the sights. To the bottom you go, hearing the giggles of delight and smelling delicious popcorn and cotton candy. ?Just as you really begin to enjoy yourself, you feel it come to a stop.

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The Large Ferris Wheel can hold approximately 12-24 children at a time, with a weight limit of 100 pounds per person.

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A Ferris wheel ride where guests ride in gondolas suspended from the outer rim of the wheel.

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