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Physics
and Dog Mushing
 Much like horseback riding the use of dog teams has faded from a preferred and necessary means of travel to almost pure recreation or sport. In fact, Dog sled racing is Alaska’s Official State Sport and like all modern athletics it is becoming more and more of a Science. Part of the science is of course understanding the Physics involved and there is a bunch of it. This page is a very general overview of the physics involved in mushing, particularly the sport of long distance racing, you know-The Iditarod and Yukon Quest, as well as many others. We will look at the Dog team as a system made up of three components-The Sled, The Gear, and The Dogs, and look at physical forces of each and how they interact. Successful mushers know they can’t ignore the Laws of Physics and the Champions know how to use them to their advantage. So hang on and lets explore some Physics in one of the funnest ways possible!!  Author: Duff McEnteer Index |
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