# A cyclist is riding along a flat road at a constant velocity. The cyclist then stops pedalling. Explain why the cyclist slows down and eventually stops.

> AQA GCSE Physics (8463) — 4.5.6 Forces and motion · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. When the cyclist stops pedalling, the driving force is removed / becomes zero
2. There is still a friction / air resistance force acting on the cyclist
3. There is now a resultant force acting backwards / in the opposite direction to motion
4. This resultant force causes a deceleration / causes the cyclist to slow down (Newton's Second Law)

## Key terms

- [velocity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/velocity)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Physics (8463)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-cyclist-is-riding-along-a-e90f25d7) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.