Centripetal Acceleration of bicyclist

AI Thread Summary
A bicyclist traveling in a circle with a radius of 25.0 m at a speed of 9.00 m/s has a mass of 85.0 kg, leading to a calculated net force of 275.4 N, which is the centripetal force. The discussion clarifies that this net force is not solely from the road, as it includes all forces acting on the bicycle. The normal force from the road, calculated as 833 N (9.8 m/s² multiplied by the mass), is identified as a separate component. Participants emphasize the importance of distinguishing between the net force and the specific forces exerted by the road. The conversation concludes with a suggestion to list all forces acting on the bicycle for better understanding.
sylenteck0
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Homework Statement


A bicyclist travels in a circle of radius 25.0m at a constant speed of 9.00 m/s. The bicycle-rider mass is 85.0 kg. Calculate the magnitudes of a) the force of friction on the bicycle from the road and b) the net force on the bicycle from the road.


Homework Equations


F=ma
m(v^2/r)


The Attempt at a Solution


I plugged in the numbers for the force formula and got 275.4 N, I'm assuming that's the net force as its the centripetal force.

Im unsure how to find the force of the friction however. Any suggestions? (On that note, did I confuse the two?

-Thanks in advance
 
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Start by listing all the forces acting on the bicycle: name them and indicate their direction.

You did calculate the net force (assuming your arithmetic is correct), but the question asks for the net force from the road, which is not the same thing.
 
Ah, so what I found was the force of the bicycle on the road?

So, the net force on the bicycle on the road would be the reactive force from gravity, making it 9.8 x 85.0 kg, right? (Which is 833N)
 
sylenteck0 said:
Ah, so what I found was the force of the bicycle on the road?
What you found was the net force on the bicycle due to all forces, not just from the road.

What forces does the road exert on the bicycle? (Consider vertical and horizontal forces separately.)
 
According to the answer sheet, the answers I got are correct, but I'll get on thinking about that :)
 
sylenteck0 said:
According to the answer sheet, the answers I got are correct, but I'll get on thinking about that :)
How did you answer the questions? You've shown your calculation of the net force on the bicycle. That is one of the answers, but which one? :wink:

sylenteck0 said:
So, the net force on the bicycle on the road would be the reactive force from gravity, making it 9.8 x 85.0 kg, right? (Which is 833N)
That's the normal component of the force the road exerts on the bicycle, not the net force.

For your own clarity, I'd still recommend listing the forces acting on the bicycle and their direction.

Just curious what the answer sheet says.
 

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