Answer :
Final answer:
To maintain a constant velocity, the cyclist must apply a force of c) 23.5 N, which is equal and opposite to the frictional force acting against the motion.
Explanation:
The question is asking what force a cyclist must apply to maintain a constant velocity if a frictional force of -23.5 N acts against the motion of the cycle with a combined mass of the cyclist and her bicycle being 75.0 kg. According to Newton's first law of motion, if the velocity is constant, the net force acting on the cyclist and bicycle must be zero. This means that the force applied by the cyclist must be equal and opposite to the frictional force.
Thus, to maintain a constant velocity, the cyclist must apply a force that counteracts the frictional force, which is 23.5 N in the opposite direction of friction, positive in sign to indicate that it opposes the negative frictional force. Therefore, the correct answer should be c) 23.5 N.
