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GCSE Questions: Circular Motion

Q1. The diagram below shows a cyclist moving at a constant speed around a circular part of a cycle track. There is a centripetal force acting on the cyclist when he is in the position shown in the position he is drawn in.

(a)

(i) When the cyclist is in the position shown above, in which direction, A, B or C, does the centripetal force act?

[1 mark]

(ii) What effect does the centripetal force have on the cyclist?

[1 mark]

(b)

(i) The cyclist moves around the circular part of the track a second time, at the same speed. This time he is closer to the outside of the bend. What effect does this have on the magnitude of the centripetal force needed?

[1 mark]

(ii) A second cyclist moves around the circular part of the track. The second cyclist has a greater mass than the first cyclist. What effect does the greater mass have on the magnitude of the centripetal force needed?

[1 mark]

(c) The illustration shows a stationary cyclist with both feet on the pedals.

Use the correct answers from the boxes below to complete the sentence. Each answer may be used once, more than once or not at all.

heavy
high
low
narrow
wide

 

The cyclist on the stationary bicycle is unstable and is likely to topple over. This is because the cyclist and bicycle have a _ _ _ _ _ _ centre of mass and a _ _ _ _ _ base.

[2 marks]

[6 Marks TOTAL]