Question

Which best explains why a bicycle slows down when its brakes are applied? *

A The brakes heat the rubber on the bicycle tires.
B The brakes add energy to the bicycle.
C The brakes increase the force of gravity on the bicycle.
D The brakes cause frictional forces on the wheels of the bicycle.

Answer 1

A bicycle slows down when its brakes are applied because the brakes generate frictional forces, converting the bike's kinetic energy into heat and reducing its speed.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best explanation for why a bicycle slows down when its brakes are applied is that the brakes cause frictional forces on the wheels of the bicycle. This friction converts the kinetic energy of the moving bicycle into heat energy, thereby reducing its speed. Just like when a car's brakes heat up due to the friction between the brake pads and the rotors, bicycle brakes also generate heat when they are applied, causing the bicycle to lose kinetic energy and slow down.