Tangential force acting on a skier has been set to zero?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the analysis of forces acting on a skier on a curved slope, specifically addressing the treatment of tangential forces and the implications of setting them to zero. Participants explore the effects of the slope's curvature on the components of weight and the conditions under which certain forces can be neglected.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the rationale behind setting the sum of tangential forces (Ft) to zero, suggesting that this neglects the component of weight acting along the slope.
  • Another participant raises the issue of the slope's curvature, asking whether the component of weight along the direction of motion varies continuously due to changing angle (theta).
  • There are repeated inquiries about the slope at a specific point (point A) on the parabola, with one participant suggesting that the slope is zero at that point.
  • A further question is posed regarding the component of weight along the slope at point A, indicating a need for clarification on this aspect.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to have differing views on the treatment of tangential forces and the implications of the slope's curvature. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correct approach to analyzing the forces at play.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify the assumptions made about the skier's motion or the specific characteristics of the slope, leaving some aspects open to interpretation.

influx
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Can anyone explain why sum of Ft has been set to be = 0? The slope is smooth so no frictional forces act but by setting it to 0 they are neglecting the component of the weight along the slope? Having said that, this is a curved slope and not a straight one so does the component of the weight along the direction of motion vary continuously (since theta varies?)
 
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If it's a parabola what is the slope at point A ?
 
CWatters said:
If it's a parabola what is the slope at point A ?
It's 0?
 
So what is the "component of weight along the slope" at point A?
 
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