Cyclist on Steep Hill – Rankers Physics
Topic: Circular Motion
Subtopic: Uniform Circular Motion

Cyclist on Steep Hill

Assertion (A): A cyclist must adopt a zig-zag path while ascending a steep hill.
Reason (R): The zig-zag path prevent the cyclist to slip down.
 
Both (A) & (R) are true and the (R) is the correct explanation of the (A)
Both (A) & (R) are true but the (R) is not the correct explanation of the (A)
(A) is true but (R) is false
Both (A) and (R) are false

Solution:

When a cyclist takes a zig-zag path, the effective angle of inclination \( \alpha \) becomes smaller than the actual angle \( \theta \). This reduces the component of gravity along the slope \( mg \sin \alpha \) and increases the normal force \( mg \cos \alpha \). This makes it easier to ascend and helps prevent slipping. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

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