Question

Of the three forces acting on the rock as it slides down the bowl, which (if any) are constant and which are not? explain.

Answer 1

Answer

Hi,

The forces are; weight (gravity), Normal/centripetal force and friction. Force due to gravity is constant where as friction and centripetal are not.

Explanation

Weight is constant, given by the force of gravity on the object. The centripetal force is a function of the angles occurring between the velocity vector and the weight vector that is at right angle with the perpendicular line drawn from the surface. Friction is a function of the centripetal force thus it also varies.

Hope this helps!