Final answer:
Rider weight is transferred to the front wheel when braking on a bicycle. This shift is due to the inertia that causes a forward weight distribution as the bicycle decelerates. This understanding is crucial for safe and effective braking techniques.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you are braking on a bicycle, rider weight is transferred to the front wheel. This phenomenon occurs because of inertia. As the bike decelerates, the forward momentum of the rider's body wants to continue moving forward. This causes a forward weight shift, which increases the downward force on the front wheel while reducing it on the rear wheel. In contrast to what occurs during acceleration, where weight shifts toward the rear wheel, braking shifts the weight to the front.
Understanding the physics of weight transfer is important for bicycle stability and effective braking. When a cyclist leans at the correct angle during a turn, it allows the force exerted by the ground to align with the center of gravity, providing stability. The forces on the wheel are resolved into two components: friction (providing centripetal force) and the vertical normal force (countering the system's weight).
In the example of two children riding a seesaw for a GRASP CHECK, the heavier child should sit closer to the fulcrum to balance the seesaw, similar to how weight distribution is managed on a bicycle during various maneuvers.