Determining the force for culculating a ski tow's perf. on a slope

  • Thread starter Helicobacter
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In summary, the net force in the direction of inclination is zero because the ski tow has constant velocity and no acceleration, according to Newton's 1st law. The component of passenger-weight in this direction is 3430N*cos(15), which needs to be balanced out by an opposite force of -3430N*cos(15) to achieve a net force of 0N. However, the required force is actually the force back down the slope of the hill, which is parallel to the opposite side of the 15 degree angle and is measured by the sine function, not cosine. This is because the ski tow needs to overcome the force back down the slope of the hill in order to maintain constant velocity.
  • #1
Helicobacter
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Logically the req. force should be -3430N * cos(15) because it is the direction of the tows motion and it is the force req. to balance (Fy-net = 0, since a=0) - but it is 3430N * sin(15). Why?
 

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  • #2
Helicobacter said:
Logically the req. force should be -3430N * cos(15) because it is the direction of the tows motion and it is the force req. to balance (Fy-net = 0, since a=0) - but it is 3430N * sin(15). Why?
Why would you think that "Logically the req. force should be -3430N * cos(15)"? The ski tow has to overcome the force back down the slope of the hill and that is parallel to the "opposite side" to the 15 degree angle in the right triangle you have. "opposite side/hypotenus" is sine, not cosine!
 
  • #3
HallsofIvy said:
Why would you think that "Logically the req. force should be -3430N * cos(15)"?

Thanks for your feedback HallsofIvy!
My thought is that the net force in the direction of inclination is zero because the tow has constant velocity and no acceleration (Newton's 1st law). The component of passenger-weight in this direction is 3430N*cos(15). In order to balance this out to 0N you need to have an opposite force of it, which is -3430N*cos(15). Why am I wrong? Why is the req. force "the force back down the slope of the hill" and not the other (my suggested) component vector of the weight force?
 
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1. What is the formula for calculating the force for a ski tow's performance on a slope?

The formula for calculating the force for a ski tow's performance on a slope is force = mass x acceleration. This means that the force required to pull a skier up a slope will depend on the mass of the skier and the acceleration of the ski tow.

2. How do you determine the mass of the skier in the force calculation?

The mass of the skier can be determined by weighing the skier before they get on the ski tow. It is important to include the weight of any equipment or clothing the skier is wearing in the calculation of their mass.

3. What factors affect the acceleration of a ski tow on a slope?

The acceleration of a ski tow on a slope can be affected by several factors, including the angle of the slope, the condition of the snow, and the power of the ski tow's motor. Wind resistance and friction can also play a role in the acceleration of the ski tow.

4. How does the angle of the slope impact the force required for a ski tow's performance?

The steeper the slope, the more force will be required for the ski tow's performance. This is because the greater the angle of the slope, the more gravity will be pulling the skier down, requiring the ski tow to exert more force to counteract it and pull the skier up the slope.

5. Is there a way to increase the performance of a ski tow on a slope without increasing the force?

Yes, there are a few ways to increase the performance of a ski tow on a slope without increasing the force. One way is to improve the efficiency of the ski tow, for example by reducing friction or increasing the power of the motor. Another way is to decrease the mass of the skier, which will require less force to pull them up the slope.

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