Ideally, you want the friction force between cross-country skis and the snow to

Question

Ideally, you want the friction force between cross-country skis and the snow to be low so the skis will glide freely; however, there needs to be some friction in order to be able to go up hills. A person is skiing up a 10 degree slope, as shown in the figure below, and generates a 1500 N force oriented directly downward. What is the minimum value of the static coefficient of friction between the base of the ski and the snow that will prevent the ski from sliding backwards when the person generates this force? Show calculations for friction.

Minimum magnitude of the coeffiicient of friction ____________

Explanation / Answer

force acting doenwards = 1500 sin 10

= 260.47

static friction = uN = u*1500 cos 10

= 1477.21 u

both forces are equal

1477.21u = 260.47

u = 0.176

so the magnitude of coefficient of friction = 0.176

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse I
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.