Interesting Trajectory Question

[qw098]

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Hi guys,

Find the picture below and let me know what you choose as the answer.

The answer is: A) (<-- Highlight to see answer).

I chose D) (<-- Highlight to see my answer) because I believed that we were under circular motion therefore acceleration points to the center of the circle so the skier would be accelerating inward (circular-like).

A mini-explanation would be great; thanks!

 

[sciencebooks]

Hi guys,

Find the picture below and let me know what you choose as the answer.

The answer is: A) (<-- Highlight to see answer).

I chose D) (<-- Highlight to see my answer) because I believed that we were under circular motion therefore acceleration points to the center of the circle so the skier would be accelerating inward (circular-like).

A mini-explanation would be great; thanks!

I would think that gravitational acceleration directed downward would cause the velocity turn downward. (But I did consider both that and D with the question of circular motion in mind.)

 

[Buttermellow]

The thing is, once the skier reaches the bottom of the ramp, there is no force pushing him toward the center of that circle. As he leaves the slop, the only vertical acceleration is downward, and due to gravity.

Just remember that circular motion cannot persist without a force.

 

[shaboobly]

you can even eliminate the other choices by realizing what actually happens in real life. if a skiier rides off at point P, there is no way he will magically do the answer you chose.

 

[qw098]

Thanks a lot guys! Awesome 🙂

 

[Mehd School]

you can even eliminate the other choices by realizing what actually happens in real life.

Anytime something that involves real life scenarios pops up, this is always my first train of thought.

I've found that the MCAT gives realistic answers for the most part and doesn't try to trick you with the math. ie, you know a skier can't fly 4000km off of a slope that's 100m long as long as he's not wearing a rocket vest. You know this because his acceleration will never surpass 10 m/s^2.

 

[sciencebooks]

you can even eliminate the other choices by realizing what actually happens in real life. if a skiier rides off at point P, there is no way he will magically do the answer you chose.

Hahaha, why don't I use this rationale more often? 😛 (I love when somebody jumps in with really obvious explanations.)