17.4.1. Cycling

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is drag force?

   Hint

   Think about forces opposing motion.

2. 2.

   How does a cyclist reduce drag?

   Hint

   Consider body position.

3. 3.

   What does drag force oppose?

   • Gravity
   • Velocity
   • Motion through fluid

   Hint

   Think about motion in fluids.

4. 4.

   True or False: Drag is only dependent on the shape of an object.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider all factors affecting drag.

5. 5.

   A cyclist in an Olympic race generates a drag force of 10 N while traveling at 15 m/s with a frontal area of 0.4 m². Determine their drag coefficient.

   Hint

   You need air density for calculations and substitute all values.

6. 6.

   If a building's design reduces drag coefficient from 1.2 to 0.8 in a windstorm, calculate the difference in drag force felt by a building with 60 m² frontal area at 20 m/s wind speed.

   Hint

   Remember to use the same air density value for both calculations.