Average force exerted on pedalf tangent to their circular path of a bike

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the average force exerted on the pedals of a bicycle while cycling up an 8.2° hill with a vertical height of 180 m. The total mass of the bike and cyclist is 95 kg, and the diameter of the pedals is 39 cm. The correct approach involves using the formula for work done against gravity, specifically mgh, and determining the total distance the pedals must turn based on the hill's incline. The final calculation for average force is derived from the total work divided by the distance the pedals must travel.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly work and energy.
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, specifically sine for angle calculations.
  • Knowledge of circular motion, including radius and circumference calculations.
  • Ability to perform unit conversions, such as converting centimeters to meters.
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the total distance the bike must travel using the formula for inclined planes.
  • Learn how to derive the number of pedal revolutions required for a given distance.
  • Explore the relationship between force, work, and energy in mechanical systems.
  • Study the effects of friction and other losses in real-world cycling scenarios.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, mechanical engineers, and cycling enthusiasts interested in understanding the mechanics of cycling on inclines and the forces involved in pedal motion.

thulling
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Homework Statement



A cyclist intends to cycle up a 8.2^\circ hill whose vertical height is 180 m. The mass of the bike and the cyclist is 95kg.

If each complete revolution of the pedals moves the bike 4.7 m along its path, calculate the average force that must be exerted on the pedals tangent to their circular path. Neglect work done by friction and other losses. The pedals turn in a circle of diameter 39 cm.

Homework Equations


Work of person=Work of gravity
Work of gravity=mgsintheta(d)
Force of person(2pi(r))=mgsintheta(d)
Force of person= mgsintheta(d)/(2pi(r))



The Attempt at a Solution



I plugged the numbers into this final equation and it keeps saying try again. I converted 39cm to meters and took half of that as the radius.

(95*9.8*sin(8.2)*4.7)/(2pi(.0195)

I got 5100 (rounded sig figs) This is wrong.
Please help.
 
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The work that needs to be done will be mgh where m is the mass of the bike + cycle, g is the gravitational acceleration and h is the vertical height of the hill.

The total length that the wheels will need to turn will be 180/sin(8.2 degrees).

Now you can calculate how many times the wheel will need to turn which you can convert to how many times the pedals must turn.

When you know the number of times the pedals must turn you can calculate the total distance the pedals must turn.

The answer will be mgh/(total distance the pedals must turn).
 

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