Question

A 58 kg skier is going down a 35 degree slope. The areaof each

ski in contact with the snow is 0.3 m^2. Determinethe pressure that
each ski exerts on the snow.

Answer 1

To solve this problem we will use a free body diagram that allows us to determine the Normal Force.

In general, the normal force would be equivalent to

`N = mgcos\theta`

Since the skier is standing on two skis, his weight will be divide by two

`N' = (mgcos\theta)/(2)`

Pressure is given as the force applied in a given area, that is

`P = (F)/(A)`

Replacing F with N'

`P = (N')/(A)`

`P = ((mgcos\theta)/(2))/(A)`

Our values are given as,

`m = 58kg`

`g = 9.8m/s^2`

`\theta = 35\°`

`A = 0.3m^2`

Replacing we have that

`P = (((58)(9.8)cos(35))/(2))/(0.3)`

`P = 776.01Pa`

Therefore the pressure exerted by each ski on the snow is 776.01Pa