Friction & Cars: Understand Acceleration, Constant Velocity & Brakes

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Friction is essential for a car's acceleration, as it allows the tires to push against the road, creating forward motion. The discussion highlights that rolling friction is the type involved in this acceleration process. When maintaining constant velocity, the net force is zero, indicating that frictional forces are balanced by other forces, such as air resistance. Friction also plays a crucial role in braking, as it generates the necessary force to slow down or stop the vehicle, despite its role in acceleration. Proper tire inflation is important for fuel efficiency, as it reduces rolling resistance, which can be counterintuitive since increased friction is often associated with better traction.
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I can understand that friction is responsible for the acceleration of a car. As the tires turn they push back on the road and the horizontal component of the contact force(ie friction) opposes the motion of the tires and push in the forward direction, making the car move.
1) Which type of friction are we talking about here?
Since we are talking about the tires, is it rolling friction that helps to accelerate the car?
2) Constant velocity
Suppose we are keeping the car going at a constant velocity. The net force should be zero. Does that mean the frictional force is balanced by something?
3) Brakes
My teacher told me friction plays a very important role int he working of breaks. I'm confused. Friction is supposed to keep the car accelerating , so how does it help in stopping it then?
4) Proper inflation of tires saves fuel:
I am unable to arrive at a reason for this. Again I am not sure if this is done to reduce friction or increase friction.
I keep thinking it has to increase friction as friction is what helps the car to move. But the whole thing is very counter intuitive.
I am really confused. Please do help me clear this up.
 
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