# A cyclist rides along a flat road and then stops pedalling. The cyclist slows down and eventually comes to a stop. Explain why the cyclist slows down after stopping pedalling, and why the cyclist eventually stops completely.

> Eduqas GCSE Physics — 2.3 Forces and motion · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. When the cyclist stops pedalling, there is no longer a driving force (forward force)
2. Friction / air resistance / drag still acts on the cyclist
3. The resistive forces are unbalanced / greater than the driving force, so there is a resultant force opposing the motion
4. The resultant force causes the cyclist to decelerate until the velocity reaches zero / cyclist stops

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Physics](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)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-cyclist-rides-along-a-flat-ca7a3042) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.