IB Physics HL A.2.6 Normal Reaction Force

Practise calculating normal reaction forces in inclined-plane problems using mass, angle and perpendicular force components.

Exam points

Calculate the normal reaction from mass, slope angle and perpendicular force balance.

[Maximum number: 2]

This question is about the forces on a skier.

A skier is pulled up a hill by a rope at a steady velocity. The hill makes an angle of $12^{\circ}$ with the horizontal. The mass of the skier and skis is 73 kg . The diagram below shows three of the forces acting on the skier.

Figure for Question A.2.6—Normal force question 1 — IB Physics HL

Calculate the magnitude of the normal reaction acting on the skier.

$\quad(N=) m g \cos \theta /$ correct substitution;
$\left(=73 \times 9.81 \times \cos 12^{\circ}=\right) 700 \mathrm{~N}$ ;

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A.2.6—Normal force question 1