# A cyclist is travelling along a straight, level road. The cyclist stops pedalling and the bicycle decelerates to a stop. Explain why the bicycle decelerates after the cyclist stops pedalling.

> Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0) — 2.2 Forces and motion · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Friction / air resistance / drag acts on the bicycle (in the opposite direction to motion)
2. There is no longer a driving / forward force (from the pedalling)
3. The resultant force on the bicycle is not zero / is unbalanced (in the direction opposing motion)
4. A resultant force in the opposite direction to motion causes deceleration / causes the bicycle to slow down (Newton's second law)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0)](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-travelling-along-a-e95bf8cb) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.