Question

When reducing the mass of a racing bike, the greatest benefit is realized from reducing the mass of the tires and wheel rims. Why does this allow a racer to achieve greater accelerations than would an identical reduction in the mass of the bicycle’s frame?

a) Reduced rotational inertia.
b) Increased friction.
c) Lower center of mass.
d) Greater aerodynamic efficiency.

Answer 1

Reducing the mass of the tires and wheel rims on a racing bike allows for greater accelerations due to reduced rotational inertia and greater aerodynamic efficiency.

Step-by-step explanation:

The greatest benefit of reducing the mass of the tires and wheel rims on a racing bike is reduced rotational inertia. Rotational inertia is a measure of an object's resistance to rotational motion, and by reducing the mass of the tires and wheel rims, the rotational inertia of the bike decreases. This allows the racer to achieve greater accelerations because less force is required to overcome the inertia and accelerate the bike.

In contrast, if the mass of the bicycle's frame were reduced, the effect on the rotational inertia would be smaller since the frame is closer to the central axis of rotation. Therefore, reducing the mass of the tires and wheel rims has a greater impact on accelerating the bike.

Furthermore, reducing the mass of the tires and wheel rims can also contribute to greater aerodynamic efficiency. Lighter wheels create less drag and allow the racer to move through the air more easily, resulting in faster accelerations.

Answer 2

Reducing the mass of the tires and wheel rims on a racing bike allows for greater accelerations due to reduced rotational inertia and greater aerodynamic efficiency.

Step-by-step explanation:

The greatest benefit of reducing the mass of the tires and wheel rims on a racing bike is reduced rotational inertia. Rotational inertia is a measure of an object's resistance to rotational motion, and by reducing the mass of the tires and wheel rims, the rotational inertia of the bike decreases. This allows the racer to achieve greater accelerations because less force is required to overcome the inertia and accelerate the bike.

In contrast, if the mass of the bicycle's frame were reduced, the effect on the rotational inertia would be smaller since the frame is closer to the central axis of rotation. Therefore, reducing the mass of the tires and wheel rims has a greater impact on accelerating the bike.

Furthermore, reducing the mass of the tires and wheel rims can also contribute to greater aerodynamic efficiency. Lighter wheels create less drag and allow the racer to move through the air more easily, resulting in faster accelerations.