Final answer:
The net force on a cyclist and bicycle moving in a circular path with a radius of 50 m at a speed of 10 m/s, and a total mass of 120 kg, is 240 Newtons towards the center of the circle.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to determine the net force applied to the cyclist and bicycle, we can use the formula:
F_net = m * a
Where F_net is the net force, m is the combined mass of the cyclist and bicycle, and a is the acceleration.
Since the cyclist is moving in a circular path, they are experiencing centripetal acceleration towards the center of the circle. The formula for centripetal acceleration is:
a = v^2 / r
Where v is the speed of the cyclist and r is the radius of the circular path.
Substituting the given values, we have:
r = 50 m
v = 10 m/s
m = 120 kg
Using the formula for centripetal acceleration, we can calculate the acceleration:
a = (10 m/s)^2 / 50 m
= 2 m/s^2
Substituting the acceleration into the formula for net force, we have:
F_net = 120 kg * 2 m/s^2 =
240 N
Therefore, the net force applied to the cyclist and bicycle is 240 N.