Question

A bicyclist is riding north on level ground and has zero net force. A single force pointing south then acts on the bicycle. What effect does the new force have on the motion of the bicycle?
A.The bicycle turns to the left.
B.The bicycle slows down.
C.The bicycle speeds up.
D.The net force balances friction and nothing changes.

Answer 1

Answer:

The bicycle will slow down (or even stop, depending on the size of the force applied)

Explanation:

The cyclist is travelling north at a constant speed (because the question says there is no net force acting on him). The new force is against the direction of travel so will decelerate (slow down) the cyclist because Force, mass and acceleration are linked by the formula Force = mass x accerelation