Which term describes the force toward the center of rotation that keeps a turning skier moving along a curved path?

Which term describes the force toward the center of rotation that keeps a turning skier moving along a curved path?

• A. Centripetal force
• B. Counter rotation
• C. Deflection
• D. Cross over

Answer: (A)

As a skier turns, the path curvedly follows a circle, so there must be an inward force pulling toward the center of that circle to change direction. This inward pull is centripetal force. In skiing, it comes from the ski edge pressing into the snow (the horizontal component of the contact/edge force) and, depending on tilt, the balance of forces on the skis. This net inward force provides the necessary inward acceleration to keep the skier moving along the curved path. The other terms describe actions or features of the turn rather than the inward force that keeps the path curved.

As a skier turns, the path curvedly follows a circle, so there must be an inward force pulling toward the center of that circle to change direction. This inward pull is centripetal force. In skiing, it comes from the ski edge pressing into the snow (the horizontal component of the contact/edge force) and, depending on tilt, the balance of forces on the skis. This net inward force provides the necessary inward acceleration to keep the skier moving along the curved path. The other terms describe actions or features of the turn rather than the inward force that keeps the path curved.