Explaining a Physics Phenomenon with a Snowy Photo

[Jstuff]

Homework Statement

I have to submit a photo for a physics contest. I was thinking of using the picture in the attached, but I'm having trouble trying to figure out how to explain it in terms of physics. The background on the picture is: We had a very wet snow and as the snow built up on top it got to heavy and slid down the side of the play set but it stopped and created and sort of parabolic arch with supporting the middle. ( See attached picture.)

The Attempt at a Solution

I was thinking I could say as the snow accumulated on top of the play set the normal force was eventually exceeded by weight of the snow. As it was sliding down the frictional forces slowed it to a slow enough pace that the snow froze in place.
Is there anything wrong with this statement? Also, are there any other forces I should take into account?
Thanks in advance!

 

[217 MeV]

Not quite parabolic, try hyperbolic!

 

[Jstuff]

Thanks, but why exactly? Also, does anyone have any other ideas?

 

[217 MeV]

Well, I could derive why it produces a hyperbolic cosine here, if you like? With regards to a qualitative explanation, I'm sure someone else can provide a clearer answer than myself.

 

[asteriatic]

I appreciate your effort to explain the physics behind this snowy photo. Your explanation is on the right track, but there are a few other factors to consider.

First, the weight of the snow is not the only force at play here. The snow is also subject to the force of gravity, which is constantly pulling it downward. As the snow slides down the side of the play set, it is also experiencing a component of this force in the direction of its motion.

Second, the frictional forces that you mentioned are also important to consider. As the snow slides down, it is in contact with the surface of the play set, which creates a frictional force that opposes its motion. This force helps to slow down the snow and eventually bring it to a stop.

However, there is another force that is crucial in creating the parabolic arch shape that we see in the photo. This is the normal force, which is the force exerted by the surface of the play set on the snow. As the snow slides down, it pushes against the surface and the surface pushes back with an equal and opposite force, creating the parabolic shape.

Additionally, the temperature and properties of the snow itself can also affect its behavior in this situation. For example, if the snow was very powdery or dry, it may not have enough cohesion to create the parabolic shape and instead may just slide off in a more linear fashion.

Overall, your explanation is a good start, but considering these other forces and factors will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the physics behind this phenomenon. Keep up the good work!