question_answer

In a cycling race, it is observed that a cyclist normally bends his body forward (as shown in the given figure). The cyclist bends in order to

A)  Feel comfortable

B)  Reduce his weight

C)  Reduce the air drag

D)  Increase energy consumptionlution

Correct Answer: C

Solution :

  When an object moves through air, its motion is opposed by air or wind resistance known as drag. This eventually results in consumption of more energy of the cyclist to sustain a constant speed. During a cycling race, the cyclist bends his body forward to make the system streamlined to reduce the air drag (as shown in the given figure). This is possible as most of the air flows past smoothly through the cyclists streamlined shape. Hence, less energy is required to move or maintain high speed. The correct answer is C.