# A cyclist rides at a constant speed around a circular velodrome track. Explain why, even though the cyclist's speed remains constant, the cyclist is still accelerating, and describe the direction and cause of this acceleration.

> WJEC A-Level Physics (Wales) — 1.5 Circular motion (A-Level only) · Explain · 5 marks

> A velodrome is an indoor cycling arena with a circular track. A cyclist completes many laps at a steady speed.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Acceleration is a change in velocity, not just a change in speed
2. The direction of the cyclist's velocity is continuously changing as they go around the circular track
3. Because velocity is changing, the cyclist must be accelerating
4. The acceleration is directed towards the centre of the circular track
5. A resultant (net) force directed towards the centre provides this acceleration; this force is the friction between the tyres and the track (or the normal contact force from the banked track surface)

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC A-Level Physics (Wales)](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-at-a-constant-88bfab90) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.