Force on a Slope: Solving for Acceleration

In summary, Franz is skiing down a steep slope of 50.0 degrees in the Alps. The coefficient of kinetic friction for waxed skis on snow is 0.05. The question asks for his acceleration, which can be found by setting up an equation with the mass (m) and solving for acceleration. The force acting on the skier along the slope can also be expressed in terms of m.
  • #1
Hisui
8
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[SOLVED] Force on a slope

"Franz is skiing in the Alps. He is racing down a steep slope of 50.0 degrees. For waxed skis on snow, we have mu sub k (for kinetic friction)=0.05. What is his acceleration?"

I'm so confused... don't I need his mass to even begin to approach this or am I missing something?
 
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  • #2
let m be the mass... get the acceleration in terms of m... (the m's will cancel out when you work out the acceleration).

What is the force acting on the skier along the slope in terms of m...
 
  • #3
Oh, right. Got it, thank you!
 

1. What is the formula for calculating acceleration on a slope?

The formula for calculating acceleration on a slope is a = gsinθ, where a is the acceleration, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²), and θ is the angle of the slope.

2. Can you explain the concept of force on a slope?

Force on a slope refers to the net force acting on an object placed on an inclined surface. This force is the combination of the object's weight and the force due to the slope, which is equal to the object's mass multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity and the sine of the angle of the slope.

3. How is the angle of a slope related to the acceleration of an object?

The angle of a slope is directly proportional to the acceleration of an object placed on it. This means that as the angle of the slope increases, the acceleration of the object also increases.

4. What is the difference between acceleration on a flat surface and on a slope?

Acceleration on a flat surface is only affected by the applied force, while acceleration on a slope is affected by both the applied force and the angle of the slope. This is because the angle of the slope changes the direction of the applied force, resulting in a component of the force acting parallel to the slope, which contributes to the acceleration.

5. How can I use the acceleration formula to solve for the unknown variables?

To solve for the unknown variables in the acceleration formula, you will need to rearrange the formula to isolate the variable you are solving for. For example, if you are solving for the angle of the slope, you would rearrange the formula to θ = sin⁻¹(a/g). You can also use trigonometric functions to solve for the unknown variables.

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