Question

Bicycles are classified by the diameter of their wheels. For example, a 20-inch bike has wheels
with a 20-inch diameter, and a 26-inch bike has wheels with a 26-inch diameter.

Answer 1

1. The number of times a bicycle tire rotates in a given time period is directly related to the
distance traveled in that time period. Consider the following scenarios.
• A bicycle with 26-inch tires is being pedaled so that the tires are rotating at a rate of 200
revolutions per minute.
• A second bicycle with 20-inch tires is being pedaled so that the tires are also rotating at a
rate of 200 revolutions per minute.



Which bicycle do you think is going faster? Why? Use the concepts of angular and linear velocity
in your answer