Solving Fx for 50kg Skier Down Hill

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the wind force component Fx acting on a 50kg skier descending a frictionless slope at a 16-degree angle. The skier's velocity remains constant, indicating that the net force acting on the skier is zero. The forces in the x-direction include the gravitational component -sin(16)*m*g and the wind force Fx, which must balance each other out for constant velocity. The confusion arises from the relationship between constant velocity and the forces acting on the skier, emphasizing the need to understand Newton's laws of motion.

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Homework Statement



A 50kg skier skis directly down a frictionless slope angled 16* to the horizontal. Assume the skier moves at a negative x direction. A wind force with component Fx acts on the skier.

What is Fx if the skier's velocity magnitude is constant?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I really have no idea. I assume Fx is equal to the force the skier exerts "on the air" so F = ma on the skier.

But I am utterly confused when they say velocity is constant. He is going down the slope due to gravity, how could his velocity be constant? It makes no sense to me.
 
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The negative x direction is the direction the skier goes. There are two forces which act in the x direction on the skier, -sin(16)*m*g and F_x, they are equal and opposite.
 
How would I adjust that if the skier's velocity is increasing 10m/s/s?

-sin(16)(5)(9.8 + 10t)
?
 

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