A bicycle odometer (which measures the distance traveled) is designed for 27” wheels. What happens if you use it on a bicycle with 24” wheels? Will the odometer show the same, a larger or small distance traveled? Explain.
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If you use a bicycle odometer designed for 27" wheels on a bicycle with 24" wheels, the odometer will show a smaller distance traveled than the actual distance covered.
Here's why:
The bicycle odometer calculates the distance traveled based on the circumference of the wheel. The circumference of the wheel is the distance covered in one complete revolution of the wheel. Since the 27" wheel is larger in diameter compared to the 24" wheel, it covers a greater distance in one revolution.
To find the circumference of a wheel, you can use the formula:
Circumference = π * Diameter
As the diameter of the 27" wheel is larger than that of the 24" wheel, the circumference of the 27" wheel will be greater. Consequently, for the same number of wheel revolutions, the 27" wheel will have covered more distance than the 24" wheel.
When you use a bicycle odometer designed for 27" wheels on a bicycle with 24" wheels, the odometer still records the number of wheel revolutions accurately. However, because it is calibrated to calculate distance based on the circumference of a 27" wheel, it overestimates the distance covered by the smaller 24" wheel.
In conclusion, using a bicycle odometer designed for 27" wheels on a bicycle with 24" wheels will result in the odometer showing a smaller distance traveled than the actual distance covered.