Which force is pushing the riders in the swings on a swing chair ride out from the center of the ride?

A. Free fall
B. Gravity
C. Momentum
D. Centripetal force
Is the answer D?
Thank you

Yes, you are correct.

Thanks

Yes, the correct answer is D. Centripetal force.

To understand why the riders in a swing chair ride are pushed out from the center, we need to consider the concept of centripetal force. Centripetal force is the force that acts on an object moving in a circular path, directing it towards the center of the circle. In this case, the swing chair is moving in a circular path, and the centripetal force is acting towards the center of the ride.

When the swing chair reaches the highest point, its velocity (speed and direction) is tangential to the circular path, meaning it is pointing horizontally. At this instant, two forces act on the riders: gravity and the tension from the chair's chains or ropes.

Gravity acts vertically downward, while the tension in the chains acts radially inward toward the center of the ride. These forces combine to create a net force pointing towards the center of the ride, which we call the centripetal force.

According to Newton's laws of motion, an object in motion wants to continue moving in a straight line at a constant speed unless acted upon by a force. Therefore, the riders tend to continue moving in a straight line, away from the circular path of the swing chair. However, the centripetal force acts on them, pushing them back towards the center of the ride and keeping them moving in a circular path.

So, in conclusion, the force pushing the riders in the swings on a swing chair ride out from the center is the centripetal force.