A skier slides down a steep 27degree slope. On a slope this steep, friction can be ignored. What is the acceleration of e skier?

Question

This question makes no sense. How am I supposed to solve this when given just an angle? Its in my physics section of normal forces so it has to deal with that. 

 

The only thing that comes to my mind is a=gsinthetha but I know theres more than that to solve this. Please help me ! 

Answer 1

If you want the component of acceleration parallel to the surface of the inclined plane, find the force parallel to the surface of the plane:

 

F = ma = (mg) cos(90° - θ) = mg sinθ

 

ma = mg sinθ

 

a = g sinθ = (9.8 m/s²)(sin27°) = 4.45 m/s²

 

As Steven pointed out, this problem is very simple because there is no friction.  If friction was present, we would also need a coefficient of kinetic friction, and include in our analysis the normal force applied by the inclined plane on the skier, which becomes a much more complicated problem.

Answer 2

Hi Essie!

 

Actually, I have very little to say, because I think your last sentence is, in fact, all you need to know for this case where friction is negligible.  If you have that, it is a one-step, plug-in solution.  Good work!