We all know this.... i just want to know the physics behind this everyday action
How can we easily balance ourselves (stay upright) on a moving bicycle (or bike) but the same thing is impossible when a try on a stationary two-wheeler?
2007-02-22 07:36:37 · 12 answers · asked by rEdshiFt 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
momentum keeps the bike moving forward and does not allow it to fall to the right or left - sorry if you wanted a more technical response but it is not really a technical uestion even from a physics standpoint
2007-02-22 07:40:14 · answer #1 · answered by march s 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There's a gyroscope that demonstrates the theory of centrifugal force. When the wheels are turning, the force is thrown vertically, keeping the bike upright. When the wheels are stopped, gravity takes over, leading to skinned knees.
2007-02-22 07:39:26 · answer #2 · answered by Stuart 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The gyroscopic effect. Imagine trying to stand a top on it's end....it will easily tip over; give it a spin and it stays upright. It's simply taking the path of least resistance, being that an object in motion tends to stay in motion.
2007-02-22 07:41:50 · answer #3 · answered by W3TOD 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
when your bicycle wheels are moving the tires are rotating on each ends of the bike. the spinning wheels iin the fashion and the speed at which they spin act as a gyroscope, a innate balancer. without the movement from the tires, the bicycle is w/o it's balancing factor. thus you fall off, and skin your knees.
2007-02-22 07:40:51 · answer #4 · answered by hxc1g 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When the bicycle wheel is spinning, a stabilizing gyroscopic effect is present tending to keep the wheel spinning perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
When the bike is stationary, the stabilizing gyroscopic effect is gone.
2007-02-22 07:40:06 · answer #5 · answered by minorchord2000 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The gravitational force of a moving bycicle helps you to stay balanced, and more focused, than on a still bicycle, where the force is weak, and you, yourself, would have to evenly divide your weight among the sides and move yourself carefully in order to stay balanced.
2007-02-22 07:39:33 · answer #6 · answered by EC 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
because when we are moving 1st the air friction helps to keep us up 2nd the actuall motion/accelaration keeps us moving along with the bike. but when we are just standing there is nothing to provide that friction and we also don't move witht the bike. We can't make ourselves still so we just fall.
2007-02-22 07:39:57 · answer #7 · answered by SweetStuff 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The weight and or mass on the moving bike is less, than while stationary
2007-02-22 07:39:54 · answer #8 · answered by hbettag 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
do you know how a jyro works? its the same thing that keeps the earth in orbit. try holding a bike wheel by the axel, and turning it right to left between your arms(arms out strait). then have someone spin it while you are holding it, then as it is spinning try to turn it right to left. notice anything?
2007-02-22 08:13:38 · answer #9 · answered by andrew s. 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because of the gyroscope effect of the rotating wheels.
2007-02-22 07:39:01 · answer #10 · answered by Chris 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋