# A cyclist rides along a flat road and then applies the brakes to stop. Explain what happens to the energy stored in the system as the cyclist slows down, and describe one way the cyclist could reduce the amount of energy wasted during braking.

> AQA GCSE Physics (8463) — 4.1.2 Conservation and dissipation of energy · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The cyclist (and bicycle) have kinetic energy store whilst moving
2. When the brakes are applied, kinetic energy is transferred to the thermal energy store (of the brakes/surroundings)
3. This thermal energy is dissipated / is waste energy (and cannot easily be used again)
4. Lubrication (e.g. oil on brake mechanism) reduces friction, so less energy is wasted as heat

## 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)
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