Question

A 80kg bicyclist (including the bicycle) is pedaling to the right, causing her speed to increase at a rate of 3.2m/s?, despite experiencing a 50N drag. Neglect any friction impeding her motion.

How many forces are acting on the bicyclist?
What is the magnitude of the net force on the bicyclist?
How much force is the bicyclist generating through her pedaling?

Answer 1

There are two forces acting on the bicyclist, the net force is 256N, and the force generated by the bicyclist's pedaling is 306N.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question refers to the dynamic situation of a bicyclist who is accelerating. To answer the specific questions:

• Number of forces acting on the bicyclist: There are at least two forces acting on the bicyclist. One is the drag force of 50N opposing the motion, and the other is the force generated by the bicyclist's pedaling, which causes the bicycle to accelerate.
• Magnitude of the net force on the bicyclist: To find the net force, we must use the formula derived from Newton's second law, F = ma, where 'm' is the mass and 'a' is the acceleration. Since we know the mass (80kg) and the acceleration (3.2m/s²), the net force (F_net) on the bicyclist can be calculated as F_net = m * a = 80kg * 3.2m/s² = 256N.
• Force the bicyclist is generating through pedaling: To overcome the drag and still accelerate, the bicyclist must generate a force greater than the drag. This force (F_pedal) can be calculated by adding the drag force to the net force, F_pedal = F_net + drag force = 256N + 50N = 306N.

The bicyclist is generating a force of 306N through her pedaling to overcome the drag and accelerate.

Answer 2

1. Three forces are acting on the bicyclist: the force of gravity (weight), the force of drag, and the force generated by pedaling.

2. Therefore, the magnitude of the net force on the bicyclist is 206N to the right.

3. The bicyclist is generating 256N of force through her pedaling.

Step-by-step explanation:

Three forces are acting on the bicyclist: the force of gravity (weight), the force of drag, and the force generated by pedaling.

To find the net force on the bicyclist, we need to determine the force of pedaling and subtract the force of drag from it. The formula for net force is:

Net force = force of pedaling - force of drag

We know the force of drag is 50N, so we need to find the force of pedaling by using the following equation:

Force of pedaling = mass x acceleration

The mass is 80kg (including the bicycle), and the acceleration is given as 3.2 m/s^2. Therefore, the force of pedaling is:

Force of pedaling = 80kg x 3.2 m/s^2 = 256N

Now we can find the net force:

Net force = 256N - 50N = 206N to the right

Therefore, the magnitude of the net force on the bicyclist is 206N to the right.

The bicyclist is generating 256N of force through her pedaling.