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When a wheel rolls on a level road, the direction of frictional force at the point of contact of wheel and ground is:

  • a)
    along the tangent to the wheel

  • b)
    forward direction

  • c)
    along the centre of the wheel

  • d)
    backward direction

Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
When a wheel rolls on a level road, the direction of frictional force ...
Frictional force is the opposing force which plays between two surfaces and it destroys the relative motion between them. Frictional force is a non-conservative force. The force produced by two surfaces that contact and slide against each other, that force is called the frictional force. These forces are affected by the nature of the surface and amount of force acting on them.


In case of a bicycle, the front wheel of the bicycle is connected to a rod passing through its centre. The force acting on the wheel about its central axis by the force coming from the rest of the bicycle is zero. Front wheel obtains linear velocity by pedalling but it cannot rotate it.


Wheel or ball can also be rolled by pushing on it. The frictional force prevents the wheel from sliding forward at the point of contact. Here, the frictional force prevents the wheel from sliding forward and it is in the opposite direction.




So, in the case of the wheel, the point P which is in contact with the ground tries to go backward due to rotation. Frictional force will oppose this motion. Hence it will move forward.

Hence the direction of frictional force at the point P of the wheel is in forward direction.

Note: Frictional force opposes the motion. Here static friction holds a wheel or a ball on the surface. Frictional force is equal and opposite in direction to the applied force parallel to the contacting surfaces. The resistance due to the rolling body on a surface is called rolling friction. Torque is a force that acts on a body that is undergoing rotation.
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When a wheel rolls on a level road, the direction of frictional force ...
Understanding Friction in Rolling Motion
When a wheel rolls on a level road, the frictional force plays a crucial role in its motion. The nature and direction of this force depend on the interaction between the wheel and the surface it rolls on.
What Happens During Rolling?
- When a wheel rolls without slipping, the point of contact is momentarily at rest with respect to the ground.
- The wheel rotates around its center, and the bottom point moves backwards relative to the center of the wheel.
The Role of Friction
- The frictional force is essential for preventing the wheel from slipping.
- It acts to oppose the relative motion between the surface and the wheel.
Direction of Frictional Force
- In the case of a wheel rolling forward, the frictional force acts in the direction of the wheel's forward motion.
- This is why the correct answer is option B: the frictional force is in the forward direction.
Why Not Other Options?
- Option A (along the tangent to the wheel): This does not accurately describe the direction of friction as it needs to counteract slipping.
- Option C (along the center of the wheel): Friction does not act towards the center; it acts at the contact point.
- Option D (backward direction): This would imply that the wheel is slipping backward, which is not the case during rolling without slipping.
Conclusion
The frictional force at the contact point of a rolling wheel is directed forward. This force is vital for maintaining motion and ensuring that the wheel rolls smoothly without slipping on a level road.
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When a wheel rolls on a level road, the direction of frictional force at the point of contact of wheel and ground is:a)along the tangent to the wheelb)forward directionc)along the centre of the wheeld)backward directionCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for Class 11 2025 is part of Class 11 preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the Class 11 exam syllabus. Information about When a wheel rolls on a level road, the direction of frictional force at the point of contact of wheel and ground is:a)along the tangent to the wheelb)forward directionc)along the centre of the wheeld)backward directionCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for Class 11 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for When a wheel rolls on a level road, the direction of frictional force at the point of contact of wheel and ground is:a)along the tangent to the wheelb)forward directionc)along the centre of the wheeld)backward directionCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
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