A bicyclist traveling at 24 km/h squeezes the brakes and slows down to a stop in 2.5 seconds. Which of the following statements best describes what happened to the energy of the moving bicycle?

Question

A.
The kinetic energy was converted to thermal energy.

B.
The chemical energy was converted to mechanical energy.

C.
The kinetic energy was converted to chemical energy.

D.
The chemical energy was converted to thermal energy.

Answer 1

The best statement that describes what happened to the energy of the moving bicycle is:

A. The kinetic energy was converted to thermal energy.

When the bicyclist applies the brakes, the kinetic energy of the moving bicycle is transformed into thermal energy due to the friction between the brake pads and the wheels, leading to a decrease in speed and eventually bringing the bicycle to a stop.