Question

33. Oversteering during a lane change can cause your vehicle to

a. turn too sharply into the adjoining lane.
b. stabilize during the lane change.
c. turn too soon into the adjoining lane.
d. turn too late into the adjoining lane.

Answer 1

Countersteering is the phenomenon where pulling back lightly on the right handlebar of a motorcycle causes the motorcycle to lean to the left and turn left. It occurs due to the gyroscopic effect of rotating wheels.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the physics student pulls back lightly on the right handlebar of the motorcycle, it causes a shift in the motorcycle's center of mass. This shift tilts the motorcycle to the left, creating a torque that turns the motorcycle to the left as well. This phenomenon is known as countersteering.

Countersteering occurs because of the gyroscopic effect of the rotating wheels. When the wheel of the motorcycle is turned to the left, the motorcycle leans to the right. Consequently, to initiate a left turn, the rider must first push the right handlebar, which causes the motorcycle to lean to the left and subsequently turn left.

Understanding countersteering is crucial for motorcycle riders, as it allows them to control their motorcycles effectively and navigate turns safely.