Bicyclist coasting down hill (Newton's Laws)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a physics homework problem involving a bicyclist coasting down a 5° hill at a constant speed of 7.0 km/h, with air resistance proportional to speed. Participants clarify that to calculate the constant c and the average force needed to descend at 22 km/h, the mass of the cyclist and bicycle (79 kg) is essential. The initial confusion stems from the belief that mass is not needed for part A, but it is confirmed that mass is required for both parts of the problem. The relationship between gravitational force and air resistance is emphasized, with the conclusion that mass is integral to solving the equations accurately. Understanding the role of mass is crucial for progressing in the calculations.
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Homework Statement


"A bicyclist can coast down a 5° hill at a constant 7.0 km/h. Assume the force of friction (air resistance) is proportional to the speed v so that Fair = cv."

(a) Calculate the value of the constant c.
(b) Calculate the average force that must be applied in order to descend the hill at 22 km/h. The mass of the cyclist plus bicycle is 79 kg.


Homework Equations



Newton's Laws

The Attempt at a Solution



Since a=0, Ʃforce must=0.

Fair=Fg

Fg=mgsin(5°)=Fair

c=mgsin(5°)/v

I just can't figure out how to work around not having mass in this problem.

Any help would be greatly appreciated :)
 
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What do you mean not having mass? You say the mass of the cyclist + bike is 79kg!
 
your equation is correct...the mass is given in part b. Now try part b.
 
I understand that the mass is given in part B. But not having the mass in the initial problem implies that mass is not needed to solve part A. I was hoping that someone could tell me how to solve part A without mass. Sorry for the confusion
 
The mass applies to both parts. You can't solve part 'a' numerically without knowing the mass, and you can't solve part 'b' numerically without knowing the numerical result of part 'a'.
 

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