PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics
Problem
Three cyclists, A, B, and C, ride at constant speed around separate, flat circular tracks.
• Cyclist A travels at 6 m s⁻¹ on a track of radius 12 m.
• Cyclist B travels at 8 m s⁻¹ on a track of radius 20 m.
• Cyclist C travels at 5 m s⁻¹ on a track of radius 9 m.
Answer the following questions about the magnitudes of the centripetal accelerations of the cyclists.
(a) Rank the magnitudes of the centripetal accelerations of Cyclists A, B, and C from greatest to least. Provide symbolic or numerical reasoning to support your ranking.
(b) Explain qualitatively how both speed and track radius influence your ranking. Your explanation should reference proportional relationships without explicitly quoting any specific formula.