Friction, Energy and Momentum
The potential energy converted by descending a hill or mountain does not convert entirely into kinetic energy. Some of the energy of a snowboarder is converted into heat as the board cuts through the snow, creating friction. Some energy is also lost due to the drag of the snowboarder cutting through the air.
While the picture above shows a skier, the same idea applies to that of a snowboarder. As a snowboarder continues down the mountain, their potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as well as thermal energy and drag, which is caused by friction and air resistance.
|
Energy
At the top of the mountain, all the energy is in the form of potential energy. To calculate the amount of energy, the equation PE = mgh may be used, where PE=potential energy, m=mass, g=acceleration of gravity, and h=height from earth. At the bottom of a hill, the boarder's energy is all kinetic, represented as KE = 1/2 mv^2. However, The potential energy gained by climbing a hill or mountain does not convert entirely into kinetic energy. Some of the energy of a snowboarder is converted into heat as the board creates friction by cutting through the snow. Some energy is also lost due to the drag of the snowboarder cutting through the air. So all together, PE at top = KE at bottom + frictional losses + drag. This equation means that work done by friction = original PE - final KE (where PE=Potential Energy and KE=Kinetic Energy).
|
Friction
Friction in snowboarding allows one to carve and maneuver as well as stop. In physics, friction is the force resisting the movement of an object, which is usually caused by bumps or imperfections on a surface. Kinetic energy converts to heat in the process. In snowboarding, the snowboard cutting through snow creates friction. This physics concept can affect the speed of a snowboarder going down a hill, some snowboards are made differently to decrease the friction so a snowboarder can achieve greater speeds. The basic structure of a snowboard contains materials such as wood and plastic other materials are added to improve performance. Different body shapes to a snowboard can reduce Friction also. There are usually two types of boards, a racing board and a freestyle board. The racing board is skinny and light weight which provides a faster ride down the slope.
Momentum
The momentum of the snowboarder does not change as quickly while skidding through a turn. Turns also increase friction, reducing the amount of energy available to convert to kinetic energy and decreasing speed. The easiest way to decrease skidding is to perform a "pure carve".