Cyclist · Estonian PhO 2016 #6

Physics · mechanics

Problem

A cyclist with a mass m=\SI100kgm=\SI{100}{kg} rides without pedaling down a hill with an angle of inclination of θ1=\ang4.8\theta_{1}=\ang{4.8} (angle between the horizontal and the hill) and notices that if the hill is long enough his final speed would be v1=\SI50km/hv_{1}=\SI{50}{km/h}. However, if the mountain is two times smaller (θ2=\ang2.4)(\theta_{2}=\ang{2.4}) his final speed would be smaller by Δv=\SI15km/h\Delta v=\SI{15}{km/h}. Find how big must be the cyclist pedaling power so he would maintain a speed of v=\SI20km/h.v=\SI{20}{km/h}. on a horizontal road. What fraction of the power does it take to overcome the air resistance? Assume that there is a windless weather and that the gravitational acceleration is g=\SI9.8m/s2g=\SI{9.8}{m/s^{2}}. Note. You should take into account the friction force that does not depend on the speed and also the wind resistance which is proportional to speed squared.

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