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Mechanics

Friction is said to be maximum in smooth surfaces. Then why does the smooth tyre slip on the road while the tyre with projections doesn't ?

Profile image of sunny chawla
16 Years agoGrade
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Profile image of nishchith bhat
ApprovedApproved Tutor Answer16 Years ago

yes friction is maximum in smooth surfaces.

But the reason behind these frictional force is intraction between two atoms of different surfaces causes a attractive force between them. This force forms a bond between two surfaces(something like chemical bond of low magnitude). This bond is to be broken which needs energy so friction increases.

But in case of smooth tyres atoms of road and tyre dont intract effectively. smooth tyres dont have projections to resist relative motion between surfaces. so friction is low but tyres with projections can easily resist slipping.