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This week’s new questions

A cyclist saves energy by staying in the slipstream of the rider in front. But does the rider in front expend more energy than a solo rider travelling at the same speed? And if the earth stopped rotating would it affect the force of gravity?

GUILIN, CHINA - OCTOBER 16: Juri Hollmann of Germany and Movistar Team leads the peloton during the 4th Gree-Tour of Guangxi 2023, Stage 5 a 209.6km stage from Liuzhou to Guilin / #UCIWT / on October 16, 2023 in Guilin, China. (Photo by Tim de Waele/Getty Images)

A cyclist saves energy by staying in the slipstream of the rider in front. But does the rider in front expend more energy than a solo rider travelling at the same speed?

Paul Fairfield,

Bebington, Merseyside, UK

K4E74X The Earth from space. This image elements furnished by NASA.

If Earth stopped rotating, would this affect the force of gravity?

Lyn Williams,

Neath, Port Talbot, UK

To answer this question – or ask a new one – email lastword@newscientist.com.

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