A cyclist and his bike (combined mass of 50kg) accelerate at a rate of 4m/s². A constant friction force of 100N opposes his motion. Calculate the force supplied by the cyclist.
-
We have: mass = 50kg
acceleration = 4 m/s2
friction = 100N
force = ?
Force = mass x acceleration
= 50 x 4
= 200N(This is the resultant force, not force applied by cyclist)
Cyclist's force = resultant + friction
= 200N + 100N
= 300N
acceleration = 4 m/s2
friction = 100N
force = ?
Force = mass x acceleration
= 50 x 4
= 200N(This is the resultant force, not force applied by cyclist)
Cyclist's force = resultant + friction
= 200N + 100N
= 300N
-
Force = mass x acceleration. So, in order to accelerate 50kg of mass at 4m/s², the resultant force must be 200N. If there is 100N acting in the opposite direction, the cyclist must be supplying 300N.