Cambridge Secondary (7-9). Stage 8. MCE Science. Student Book - Unit 8: Forces and Motion

Question 77

The cheetah is the fastest land animal (Figure 8.41). It can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h over short distances (up to around 460 m). It can accelerate from 0 km/h to 97 km/h in just a few seconds. This incredible speed is a result of various physical adaptations.

A cheetah can turn sharply while running at high speed. When it does this, what can you say about the forces acting on it? Tick (✓) the correct answer.

The forces are balanced because the cheetah does not change its direction of motion.
The forces are unbalanced because the cheetah changes its direction of motion.
The only force acting on the cheetah is the gravitational force that keeps it grounded.
The only force acting on the cheetah is friction, which is in the opposite direction to its motion.

Cambridge Secondary (7-9). Stage 8. MCE Science. Student Book - Unit 8: Forces and Motion - Question 77

Question 77