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Chapter 4: Problem 3

Why does a skier lean in the direction of a turn during a downhill run?

Short Answer

Expert verified
A skier leans in the direction of the turn to generate the centripetal force required to follow a curved path, balancing gravitational and normal forces.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Centripetal Force

When a skier makes a turn, they are moving along a curved path. To stay on this path, a centripetal force is required to act towards the center of the circle formed by the turn. The skier must generate this centripetal force to maintain the curved trajectory.
02

Analyzing the Leaning Action

By leaning in the direction of the turn, the skier shifts their body weight to create the necessary centripetal force. This action allows the resultant force between gravity and the normal force from the ground to point towards the center of the turn, providing the centripetal force.
03

Balancing the Forces

Leaning into the turn ensures that the gravitational force and the normal force are appropriately balanced. This ensures that the resultant force is sufficient for the centripetal force and the skier can successfully make the turn without slipping or falling.
04

Resulting Dynamics

The combination of the skier's body weight and the contact forces from the skiing surface helps to control the turn's radius and speed. By adjusting their lean, the skier can manage the centripetal force to keep a stable and controlled path through the turn.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Centripetal Force
When a skier makes a turn, they travel along a curved path. To stay on that curvy route, the skier needs a force called centripetal force. This force must act towards the center of the imaginary circle created by the skier's path.
Without centripetal force, the skier would continue in a straight line due to inertia. To create this necessary force, the skier changes their body position to produce a centripetal force, which keeps them on the curved path.
So, the next time you're skiing and making a turn, remember, it's all about centripetal force keeping you on track!
Gravitational Force
Gravitational force is the force that pulls everything towards the Earth. When skiing downhill, gravity is what makes the skier move faster as they descend.
But gravity also plays a role in turning. It pulls the skier downwards, which then has to be balanced with other forces to make a successful turn.
If the skier doesn't lean properly, gravity could cause them to lose balance and fall. By understanding how gravity works, skiers can better control their movements and stay safe on the slopes. Gravitational force is always in play, keeping the skier grounded.
Normal Force
Normal force is a supportive force exerted by the ground or surface against an object. For a skier, the snow or ground pushes back against them, providing stability.
When turning, normal force works with gravitational force to help generate the centripetal force needed to stay on the curved path.
As the skier leans in the direction of the turn, the normal force adjusts to support that action. This interplay ensures the skier can maintain their balance and direction during the turn.
Dynamic Balance
Dynamic balance is the ability to maintain stability while moving. Skiing down a slope and making turns requires excellent dynamic balance.
By leaning into the turn, the skier adjusts their center of gravity. This shift helps them achieve the right balance between centripetal force, gravitational force, and normal force.
Dynamic balance is crucial in skiing since it helps skiers maintain control and avoid falls. Proper leaning and body positioning are essential for achieving dynamic balance during turns.

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