Question

a student and the waxed skis he is wearing have a combined weight of 850 newtons. the skier travels down a snow - covered hill and then glides to the east across a snow - covered, horizontal surface.

1. determine the magnitude of the normal force exerted by the snow on the skis as the skier glides across the horizontal surface. 1
2. 55. calculate the magnitude of the force of friction acting on the skis as the skier glides across the snow - covered, horizontal surface. show all work, including the equation and substitution with units. 2

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the vertical forces

When the skier glides on a horizontal surface, in the vertical direction, the normal force \(F_N\) balances the weight \(W\) of the skier (and the waxed skis). According to Newton's first law (\(\sum F_y = 0\)), \(F_N=W\).

Step2: Substitute the value

Given \(W = 850\space N\), so \(F_N = 850\space N\)

Answer:

\(850\space N\)