# A cyclist is travelling along a flat road at a steady speed. The cyclist then stops pedalling and gradually comes to a stop. Describe the forces acting on the cyclist whilst travelling at steady speed, and explain why the cyclist slows down and eventually stops after pedalling ceases.

> AQA A-Level Physics (7408) — 3.4.1 Mechanics · Describe and Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. At steady speed, the driving force (from pedalling) equals the resistive forces (friction/air resistance)
2. At steady speed the resultant force is zero so the cyclist does not accelerate (Newton's First Law / constant velocity)
3. When pedalling stops, the driving force is removed / becomes zero
4. There is now a resultant force in the direction opposing motion (resistive forces are unbalanced / greater than driving force)
5. This resultant force causes a deceleration (negative acceleration), so the cyclist slows down and stops

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Physics (7408)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe and 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-travelling-along-a-a33e9543) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.