Explanation:

When a cyclist takes a turn, several factors come into play to ensure a smooth and safe maneuver. One of these factors is the bending of the cyclist while taking the turn. The correct answer to the given question is option 'B', which states that the cyclist bends to generate the required centripetal force.

Centripetal Force:
Centripetal force is the force that keeps an object moving in a curved path and prevents it from moving in a straight line. It is directed towards the center of the circular path. In the case of a cyclist taking a turn, the centripetal force is required to keep the cyclist and the bicycle moving along the curved trajectory. Without the centripetal force, the cyclist would continue moving in a straight line, causing them to lose balance and fall.

Explanation of the Answer:
Bending to Generate Centripetal Force:
When a cyclist takes a turn, they need to lean towards the inside of the turn. This bending motion helps in generating the necessary centripetal force to maintain balance and remain on the curved path. The bending of the cyclist shifts the center of mass towards the inside of the turn, allowing the gravitational force to act as a component of the centripetal force.

Center of Mass:
The center of mass is the point in an object where the entire mass can be considered to be concentrated. In the case of a cyclist, the center of mass is located above the bicycle's tires. By leaning towards the inside of the turn, the cyclist effectively shifts their center of mass towards the inside, aligning it with the curved path. This alignment allows the gravitational force to act as a component of the centripetal force, aiding in the turning motion.

Maintaining Balance:
By generating the required centripetal force through bending, the cyclist can maintain balance while taking the turn. This is because the centripetal force is directed towards the center of the turn and keeps the cyclist and the bicycle moving in a curved path. If the cyclist did not bend and generate the necessary centripetal force, they would have to rely solely on friction between the tires and the road to change their direction. This reliance on friction alone may not be sufficient to maintain balance and prevent skidding or slipping.

Other Options:
The other options provided in the question are not correct because:
- Option 'A' (to reduce friction) is incorrect because the bending of the cyclist does not reduce friction. In fact, the bending motion is necessary to maintain balance and prevent skidding, which requires sufficient friction between the tires and the road.
- Option 'C' (to reduce apparent weight) is incorrect because bending while taking a turn does not affect the apparent weight of the cyclist. The apparent weight is the force experienced by an object due to the gravitational pull of the Earth, and it remains constant regardless of the bending motion.
- Option 'D' (to reduce speed) is incorrect because the bending motion does not directly reduce the speed of the cyclist. The speed of the cyclist is determined by their pedaling and the external forces acting on them, such as air resistance. Bending only helps in maintaining balance and generating the necessary centripetal force, but it does not directly affect the speed of the cyclist.

In conclusion, the cyclist bends while taking a turn to generate the required centripetal force, which