Situation: Riding a Bike
Where does this situation happen? This situation can occur outside, such as on a bike path, at a park, or in a neighborhood.
What are the forces acting on the object?
- Gravity - Pulls the rider and the bike down towards the ground.
- Normal Force - The ground exerts an upward force on the bike and rider, counteracting the force of gravity.
- Friction - There are two types of friction at play:
- Rolling Friction - Between the bike tires and the ground, which allows the bike to move without slipping.
- Air Resistance (Drag) - Opposes the motion of the bike as it moves through the air.
- Pedaling Force - The rider pushes down on the pedals, applying a force that propels the bike forward.
- Inclination Force - If riding on an incline, there's a component of gravitational force acting along the slope, which affects how easily the rider can ascend or descend.