Ice skaters bend at an angle when taking a turn at high speed because of the laws of physics. When an object, in this case the ice skater, is moving in a circular path, there is a centripetal force acting on it that pulls it towards the center of the circle. In order to maintain balance and stay on the circular path, the skater must lean towards the center of the turn.
Friction is essential in ice skating turns as it allows the skater to grip onto the ice and push off in the desired direction. Without friction, the skater would slip and slide across the ice, making it impossible to take turns at high speeds.
Yes, the angle of the bend can affect the speed of the turn. The sharper the angle, the tighter the turn will be and the slower the skater will go. On the other hand, a wider angle will result in a wider turn and a higher speed.
Ice skaters use their arms and upper body to maintain balance and control during turns. They may also use their arms to generate centrifugal force, which helps them maintain their speed and momentum throughout the turn.
It is more efficient for ice skaters to take turns at high speed while leaning forward. This allows for better control and balance, and also helps the skater maintain their speed and momentum. Leaning backward can cause the skater to lose control and slow down, resulting in a less efficient turn.