what makes it easy to be straight up when I ride my bicycle and why is it so difficult if I am not moving?
2006-10-22 05:00:42 · 7 answers · asked by cdnmakesi 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
it has something to do with gravity.
2006-10-22 05:04:17 · answer #1 · answered by Rita 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When studying the rotation of a solid body we define its Angular Momentum.
Along with the Law of Conservation of Momentum (P=m*v) there's also the Law of Conservation of Angular Momentum (L=m*v*r). This states that unless there is an external torque applied to the solid body, there's no change in its Angular Momentum.
As long as the bicycle moves it has a non-zero angular momentum which is a horizontal vector. The only external force is the weight which has a vertical direction, so its torque can't change the angular momentum,... which is very nice because otherwise we'd fall down, which is the case when the bicycle is not moving, i.e. Angular Momentu is zero, so there's nothing to be conserved!
2006-10-22 07:30:02 · answer #2 · answered by fanis t 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is about momentum. The forward momentum is more powerful than the gravitational pull to the ground. The faster you go, the easier it is to stay upright. On object in motion (forward in this case) will stay in motion (forward) until acted upon by an outside force (gravity).
2006-10-22 05:09:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have gotten enough momentum which is mass x velocity to balance yourself when riding your bicycle.
2006-10-22 06:01:38 · answer #4 · answered by traveling_soldier6784 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's known as gyroscopic force. You've noticed a quarter can't stand on its end, but you can roll a quarter across a table, right? Same principle.
2006-10-22 05:09:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Gravitational force.
2006-10-22 05:05:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
because of the centre of gravity
2006-10-22 05:09:08 · answer #7 · answered by thiru k 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋