Tyre/road friction is extremely complex, there are entire books on just this subject. Your formula is correct for a simple model, however what you may not realize is that the coefficient of friction will not usually be constant, even for the same materials at the same temperature. The coefficient of friction depends on the normal load, usually it is higher for lower loads. So when considering the entire vehicle it is beneficial to have a larger contact area (and a lower pressure between the tyre and road) to increase the coefficient of friction.engineer888 said:As far as I know, friction force is equal to the product of the normal force and coefficient of friction, hence is independent of surface area.
So why is it that race cars have wider tyres than conventional vehicles?
Friction force is the resistance force that occurs when two surfaces are in contact with each other and in relative motion. It is caused by irregularities on the surfaces and can impede the motion of objects.
Surface area has a direct correlation with friction force. As the surface area increases, the amount of contact between the two surfaces also increases, leading to an increase in friction force. This means that a larger surface area will result in a greater resistance force.
Aside from surface area, the type of material, the level of force applied, and the roughness of the surfaces can also affect the correlation between friction force and surface area. Additionally, the presence of lubricants or other substances between the two surfaces can also alter the friction force.
Yes, there is a mathematical relationship between friction force and surface area. This relationship is known as the Coulomb's law of friction, which states that the friction force is directly proportional to the normal force (force perpendicular to the surface) and the coefficient of friction, and is also affected by the surface area.
The correlation between friction force and surface area is important in everyday life because it helps us understand and predict the behavior of objects in contact with each other. This knowledge is essential in various fields such as engineering, physics, and even in our daily activities like walking, driving, and using tools. By understanding this correlation, we can also find ways to reduce friction and improve efficiency in different processes and activities.