Final answer:
When the brakes on the bicycle fail, the bicycle will continue moving forward until it encounters the curb. The force exerted by the curb will cause the bicycle to decelerate, but the exact outcome will depend on several factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the brakes on your bicycle fail and you approach the curb at the mall, several factors will come into play based on Newton's first and second laws of motion.
According to Newton's first law, an object in motion will continue to move at a constant velocity in a straight line unless acted upon by an external force. In this case, since the brakes have failed, the bicycle will continue moving forward at its current speed.
Newton's second law states that the change of motion of a body is proportional to the force acting on it. As the bicycle runs into the curb, the force exerted by the curb acts as an external force, causing the bicycle to decelerate. The exact outcome will depend on the speed and angle of approach, as well as the mass of the bicycle and the strength of the curb.