# A cyclist sets off from rest and reaches a speed of 12 m/s over a period of time. The cyclist then travels at a constant speed for several minutes before braking and coming to a stop. Describe the motion of the cyclist during each stage of the journey, and explain what the term 'constant speed' tells us about the forces acting on the cyclist during the middle stage.

> Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0) — 2.1 Motion · Describe · 4 marks

> A cyclist completes a short journey in three stages: first accelerating from rest, then travelling at a steady speed, and finally braking to a stop.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. During the first stage, the cyclist accelerates (speed increases from rest / speed increases over time).
2. During the final stage, the cyclist decelerates (speed decreases / slows down) until reaching zero.
3. Constant speed means the speed does not change / remains the same throughout the middle stage.
4. At constant speed, the forces acting on the cyclist are balanced / the resultant force is zero.

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" 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-sets-off-from-rest-a27356bf) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.