The curves on bicycle racetracks are steeply banked, so that the inner edge of each curve is much lower than its outer edge. This banking tips the support force that the track exerts on the bicycle wheel toward the center of each turn. That center-directed or centripetal force on the bicycle is important because it
A) helps the bicycle accelerate inward to complete each turn without skidding.
B) it does work on the bicycle during each turn and thus increases the bicycle's energy.
C) balances the outward centrifugal force that the bicycle experiences as it completes each turn, so that the bicycle experiences zero net force.
D) it does negative work on the bicycle during each turn and thus decreases the bicycle's energy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The centripetal force is crucial for changing the direction of the bicycle's velocity towards the center of the curve, allowing it to complete the turn without skidding. This force does not do work on the bicycle, as work requires a component of force in the direction of motion, and in this case, the centripetal force is perpendicular to the motion, not increasing or decreasing the bicycle's energy.

The Curves on Bicycle Racetracks Are Steeply Banked, So That