Two cyclists of different mass take a turn on a level road. They follow the same path and are moving the same constant speed for the turn. Which of the following statements is correct?
A) The acceleration is zero for both.
B) The acceleration is larger for the less massive cyclist.
C) The acceleration is larger for the more massive cyclist.
D) The acceleration is not zero but is the same for both.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since both cyclists are moving at a constant speed along a curved path, they are undergoing centripetal acceleration, which depends on the speed and radius of the path, not on the mass of the cyclist. Therefore, the acceleration is the same for both cyclists.

Two Cyclists of Different Mass Take a Turn on a Level