To a good approximate, the only external force that does work on a cyclist moving on level ground is the force of air resistance. Suppose a cyclist is traveling at 15 km/h on level ground. Assume he is using 480 W of metabolic power.

a. Estimate the amount of power he uses for forward motion.

b. How much force must he exert to overcome the force of air resistance?

a. 120 W

b. 28.8 N

Explanation:

To a good approximate, the only external force that does work on a cyclist moving on level ground is the force of air resistance. Suppose a cyclist is traveling at 15 km/h on level ground. Assume he is using 480 W of metabolic power.

a. Estimate the amount of power he uses for forward motion.

b. How much force must he exert to overcome the force of air resistance?

(a) He is 25% efficient, therefore the cyclist will be expending 25% of his power to drive the bicycle forward

Power = efficiency X metabolic power

= 0.25 X 480

= 120 W

(b)

power if force times the velocity

P = Fv

convert 15 km/h to m/s

v = 15 kmph = 4.166 m/s

F = P/v

= 120/4.166

= 28.8 N

definition of terms

power is the rate at which work is done

force is that which changes a body's state of rest or uniform motion in a straight line

velocity is the change in displacement per unit time.