A student is pedaling her bike. She is moving to the right at a constant speed on a flat surface. A gust of wind slows her down.

Question

Select the boxes to identify the direction of each force acting on the bike rider.



(4 points)
Down Left Right Up
Friction

Gravity

Pedaling

Wind

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Answer 1

To identify the direction of each force acting on the bike rider, we can consider the following:

1. Friction: This force opposes the motion of the bike, so in this case, it acts to the left since she is moving to the right.
   Answer: Left

2. Gravity: This force acts downward towards the center of the Earth, regardless of the bike's motion.
   Answer: Down

3. Pedaling: The force from pedaling propels the bike forward, so it acts in the direction the bike is moving, which is to the right.
   Answer: Right

4. Wind: A gust of wind that slows her down also opposes her motion, meaning it pushes against her direction of travel. Since she is moving to the right, the wind acts to the left.
   Answer: Left

In summary, the answers are as follows:

• Friction: Left
• Gravity: Down
• Pedaling: Right
• Wind: Left