Final answer:
The motorcycle leans and turns to the left when the rider countersteers by pulling back on the right handlebar, due to gyroscopic precession. Countersteering is a key aspect of motorcycle dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a physics student driving his motorcycle at highway speed pulls back lightly on the right handlebar, the motorcycle tips to the left, causing a left turn. This phenomenon occurs due to a principle called countersteering, which is essential for maneuvering two-wheeled vehicles at high speeds. By pulling back on the right handlebar, the front wheel momentarily points to the right, but due to the conservation of angular momentum, the bike leans to the left. This action creates the necessary lean angle for the left turn. It is an example of gyroscopic precession – the resulting force is perpendicular to the direction of the applied force. Countersteering is a fundamental aspect of motorcycle and bicycle dynamics and is a crucial skill for riders to master.
In terms of car-motorcycle collisions, understanding vehicle dynamics, including countersteering and blind spots, is vital for road safety. Awareness of left turns being a common point of collision and ensuring that motorcycles remain visible to cars, specifically outside of blind spots, can reduce the number of accidents. The physics behind vehicle maneuvers and interactions is an important component of driver education to prevent traffic collisions.