Topic 2: Mechanics

Question 1

How do you work out whether a skier will lose contact with the ground at a point when given the radius at that point?

Answer 1

• Calculate the centripetal force using F = mv^2 / r
• Calculate the force due to gravity using F = mgh
• If mv^2 / r > mgh, the skier will lose contact at the point
• If mgh > mv^2 / r, the skier will not lose contact at the point

Question 2

When is an object said to undergo projectile motion?

Answer 2

When it follows a curved path of motion due to the influence of gravity.