A wax is applied to the bottom surface of cross country skis to achieve a good balance between traction when the skier needs to climb a small hill and speed on downhill slopes. The coefficients of both static and kinetic friction between the waxed surface and snow increase as temperature decreases. If the temperature rises during the day and the skier begins to slip backward on hills they should re-wax their skis with what type of wax?(1 point)
A) one where the coefficient of kinetic friction is smaller
B) one where the coefficient of static friction is smaller
C)one where the coefficient of kinetic friction is larger
D)one where the coefficient of static friction is larger
D) one where the coefficient of static friction is larger
D) one where the coefficient of static friction is larger
To determine the type of wax the skier should use, we need to understand the relationship between temperature and the coefficients of static and kinetic friction.
From the given information, we know that as temperature decreases, the coefficients of both static and kinetic friction between the waxed surface and snow increase. This means that at lower temperatures, the wax provides more traction and grip.
If the skier starts slipping backward on hills due to a temperature increase during the day, it indicates that the wax they currently have on their skis is not providing enough grip. In order to improve traction and prevent slipping, the skier should re-wax their skis with a wax that has a larger coefficient of static friction.
Therefore, the correct answer is option D) one where the coefficient of static friction is larger.