Physics question?

Question

Let's say theres a light at the bottom of a bicycle wheel and we were to turn off the lights in a room and push the wheel across the room. what shape would the trajectory of the light make in one revolution of the wheel. i think it'll make kind of a flatened parabola, but im very visual and it's hard for me to imagine. My teacher only told us that the wheel has a diameter of 64 cm and the trajectory would be a specific shape but he would only tells us after we tired to figure it out, but i'm curious and i want to be a little smart *** and find it out first. If i need to clearify or add details just ask me! thanks

the light is at the bottom poiting up anyway the guy who said cycloid nows exactly what i'm talking about

Answer 1

Cycloid:
A cycloid is the curve defined by the path of a point on the edge of circular wheel as the wheel rolls along a straight line. It is an example of a roulette, a curve generated by a curve rolling on another curve.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycloid

Answer 2

Yes, it is not quite clear the direction toward which the light is pointed. It may be the direction of motion, toward the center of the wheel, orthogonal to the wheel (pointing to the side of the bike); or a combination of these three options.

Answer 3

This shape is actually called a cycloid!

google it if you want details.

Here's one link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycloid