When a moving car encounters a patch of ice the brakes are applied. Wh...
When a tire is able to roll, it has vastly less resistance to motion in the direction of rotation than it does in any other direction. Static friction exists if the wheels keep rolling on the ice without locking up, resulting in maximum braking force. However, if the wheels lock up then kinetic friction takes over since there is relative slipping between wheel and ice. This reduces the braking force and the car takes longer to stop.
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When a moving car encounters a patch of ice the brakes are applied. Wh...
**Explanation:**
When a moving car encounters a patch of ice, the brakes are applied to slow down or stop the car. However, it is desirable to keep the wheels rolling on the ice without locking up. This is because static friction is greater than kinetic friction.
**Static Friction vs Kinetic Friction:**
- Static friction is the force that opposes the motion between two surfaces that are in contact with each other but not moving relative to each other. It is the force that keeps an object at rest and prevents it from moving.
- Kinetic friction, on the other hand, is the force that opposes the motion between two surfaces that are sliding against each other. It is the force that acts on objects that are already in motion.
**Desirability of Keeping the Wheels Rolling on Ice:**
Keeping the wheels rolling on ice without locking up is desirable for several reasons:
1. **Increased Control:** When the wheels are rolling on the ice, the static friction between the tires and the ice allows for better control of the car. The static friction provides the necessary traction for the tires to grip the road surface and maintain stability.
2. **Steering Ability:** Rolling wheels provide the ability to steer the car in the desired direction. When the wheels are rolling, the driver can control the direction of the car by turning the steering wheel. If the wheels lock up, the car loses its ability to steer, making it difficult to avoid obstacles or navigate turns.
3. **Shorter Stopping Distance:** Keeping the wheels rolling on ice allows for a shorter stopping distance. When the wheels are rolling, the static friction between the tires and the ice helps to slow down the car gradually, reducing the chances of skidding or losing control. This is important for maintaining the safety of the car and its occupants.
4. **Prevention of Sliding:** If the wheels lock up and slide on the icy surface, the car may lose its balance and control. Sliding wheels do not provide the necessary traction to keep the car stable and prevent it from veering off course or spinning out of control.
In summary, it is desirable to keep the wheels rolling on ice without locking up because the static friction between the tires and the ice provides increased control, steering ability, shorter stopping distance, and prevents sliding. Static friction is greater than kinetic friction, making it more beneficial to maintain rolling wheels on the icy surface.