# A cyclist rides along a flat road and then stops pedalling. The cyclist slows down and eventually comes to rest. Explain why the cyclist decelerates after stopping pedalling, referring to the resultant force acting on the cyclist.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Physics (0625) — 1.5 Forces · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Friction (and/or air resistance) acts on the cyclist opposing the direction of motion
2. Once pedalling stops, there is no longer a driving/forward force
3. The resultant force is not zero / there is a net force in the backward direction
4. A resultant force in the opposite direction to motion causes deceleration / negative acceleration

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Physics (0625)](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-rides-along-a-flat-39ac6389) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.