How Does Friction Impact Swimmers and Drivers in Different Environments?

[LegendFury]

Questions
6. How does snow or rain affect the amount of friction on the road? How does using chains on car tires improve traction?

7. Why do swimmers have their bodies? What type of friction are they trying to reduce?

8. Using friction, explain why it hurts more to slide on carpet than it does to slide on a gym floor.

My Answers
6. Snow or rain causes the roads to be slippery. Traction tires stick into the ground, and have more surface area, which causes more friction occur between the tires and the road.
7. Swimmers shave their bodies to be more dynamic underwater. The hair on their bodies causes kinetic friction with the water, which slows them now. By shaving, the kinetic friction with their body hair is eliminated, which makes them slightly faster.
8. The carpet has more surface area rubbing against your skin because of the fibres sticking out, which causes more friction against your skin. A gym floor is a smooth surface, so there is less surface area, and less contact.

Can anyone expand on my answers? I don't think they're good enough. Thanks.

 

[TVP45]

For number 6, you should visit some tire websites and look for explanations about the tread patterns, especially what some call "channels".

 

[Precursor]

Friction

Well actually, according to Leonardo da Vinci, surface area does not affect friction.