Calculating Acceleration of a Skier on an Inclined Slope

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In summary, the acceleration of a 75-kg skier gliding down a snow-covered slope inclined at 15 degrees is 1.97 m/s2 in the direction opposite to the parallel component of gravity. This calculation takes into account a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.060 between the wooden skis and dry snow.
  • #1
Mirole
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Homework Statement


You, a 75-kg skier, glide straight down a snow-covered slope inclined at 15 degrees to the horizontal over spring break. Let's be realistic, what is your acceleration(magnitude and direction) Assume your skis are wood and the snow is dry. mu_k on snow is 0.060.


Homework Equations


Fnet=ma


The Attempt at a Solution


Fx = -fk+mgsin[tex]\theta[/tex] = ma
Fy = n = mgcos[tex]\theta[/tex]

-mu_k*mgcos[tex]\theta[/tex] = ma - mgsin[tex]\theta[/tex]
a = -mu_k*g*cos[tex]\theta[/tex] + gsin[tex]\theta[/tex]
a = (.060)(9.8)cos15 + 9.8sin15
a = 8.22 m/s2

Did I do the first part right? And, how would I find the direction?
 
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  • #2
a = -mu_k*g*cosθ + gsinθ
a = (.060)(9.8)cos15 + 9.8sin15
Looks like you dropped a minus sign in that step.
The friction force opposes the parallel component of gravity, so there ought to be subtraction rather than addition.
 
  • #3
Wow, I did that by mistake and didn't even catch it. Thanks, so would 1.97m/s2 be correct?
 

FAQ: Calculating Acceleration of a Skier on an Inclined Slope

1. What is the "Skier down a slope problem"?

The "Skier down a slope problem" is a physics problem that involves calculating the acceleration and velocity of a skier as they travel down a slope.

2. How does the skier's weight and the slope's angle affect their acceleration?

The skier's weight and the slope's angle both affect the skier's acceleration. A steeper slope and a heavier skier will result in a greater acceleration, while a shallower slope and a lighter skier will result in a lower acceleration.

3. What is the formula for calculating the acceleration of a skier down a slope?

The formula for calculating the acceleration of a skier down a slope is a = gsinθ, where a is the acceleration, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2), and θ is the angle of the slope.

4. How can the skier's velocity be determined using the acceleration and time?

The skier's velocity can be determined using the formula v = at, where v is the velocity, a is the acceleration, and t is the time.

5. What other factors can affect the skier's acceleration and velocity?

Other factors that can affect the skier's acceleration and velocity include air resistance, friction on the slope, and the skier's equipment and technique.

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