A cyclist is riding a bicycle at a steady velocity of 12 m/s - Edexcel - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 2
A cyclist is riding a bicycle at a steady velocity of 12 m/s.
The cyclist and bicycle have a total mass of 68 kg.
(a) Calculate the kinetic energy of the cyclist a... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A cyclist is riding a bicycle at a steady velocity of 12 m/s - Edexcel - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Calculate the kinetic energy of the cyclist and bicycle.
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Answer
To calculate the kinetic energy (KE) of the cyclist and bicycle, we can use the equation:
KE=21×m×v2
Substituting the values:
Mass (m) = 68 kg
Velocity (v) = 12 m/s
The equation becomes:
KE=21×68×(12)2
Calculating this:
KE=21×68×144=4900J
Therefore, the kinetic energy is 4900 J.
Step 2
Describe the energy transfer that happens when the cyclist uses the brakes to stop.
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Answer
When the cyclist uses the brakes to stop, the kinetic energy stored in the cyclist and bicycle decreases. This energy is transferred into thermal energy, predominantly as heat, which is generated through friction between the brake pads and the wheels. As the brakes heat up, the surrounding environment also absorbs some of this energy, causing an increase in thermal energy in the brakes and their surroundings.
Step 3
Explain what the displays show about the average power of the athlete in each of these two sessions.
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Answer
To calculate the average power for each session, we can use the formula:
Power=TimeWork
For session 1:
Energy: 45.2 kJ = 45200 J
Time: 300 s
Average Power in session 1:
P1=300s45200J=150.67W
For session 2:
Energy: 37.9 kJ = 37900 J
Time: 300 s
Average Power in session 2:
P2=300s37900J=126.33W
Therefore, the displays indicate that the athlete generated more power during session 1 compared to session 2.