Maximizing and Minimizing Friction to Aid in Transportation

[Physics345]

Homework Statement

Efficient and safe transportation depends on friction being either minimized or maximized as necessary.
a) One example in which friction is maximized to aid in transportation
a) One example in which friction is minimized to aid in transportation
For each situation, explain how the friction is maximized/minimized and why this is necessary or beneficial

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

a) Friction is maximized to aid tires. If the friction isn’t maximized the vehicle would not be able to keep a grip on roads, which would cause the vehicle to slip while turning and can be extremely dangerous in bad weather, which would be even more prone to slipping due to the lack of tension between the vehicle and the road. Also tires relate to the amount of time and distance a vehicle needs to make a full stop in an emergency situation, if the grip isn’t maximized, in turn a collision would most likely occur in an unforeseen scenario.

b) Friction is minimized to aid, air transportation in the form of aerodynamics, the slender design of jets are a great example of minimizing friction due to air resistance, allowing for jets to reach extremely high speeds at a lower cost considering jets use less fuel when they have less resistance because less energy needs to be used due to minimized friction.

Refrences:
http://www.hk-phy.org/energy/transport/print/trans_is_print_e.html
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/Mechanics/frictire.html

 

[berkeman]

a) is fine

b) I don't know if air resistance is normally thought of as being caused by friction? Is it? I was thinking more along the lines of minimizing bearing friction...

 

[Physics345]

a) is fine

b) I don't know if air resistance is normally thought of as being caused by friction? Is it? I was thinking more along the lines of minimizing bearing friction...

Do you think I should use a bullet train as an example instead then?

 

[berkeman]

Do you think I should use a bullet train as an example instead then?

For what? An example of friction by air resistance, or having to do with bearing friction.

BTW, do you know what a Maglev train is? Can you comment on bearing friction for Maglev trains?

 

[Physics345]

For what? An example of friction by air resistance, or having to do with bearing friction.

BTW, do you know what a Maglev train is? Can you comment on bearing friction for Maglev trains?

I called it a bullet train, I actually meant Maglev train. I'll have an answer for you shortly.

 

[Physics345]

A means of transportation that minimizes friction, The Maglev train! Also known as the magnetic levitating train, it levitates in the air by using oppositely charged magnets causing it to levitate in the air, which completely removes any type of friction force since it doesn't physically touch anything opposed to to a regular train that has huge amounts of friction since it's moving on the railings. It also needs very little maintenance making it greenhouse friendly, and head ache free since it makes very little noise compared to a regular train.

 

[Physics345]

I honestly had no clue it levitates, I seen it in the same article I found the info about the jet, I just didn't read what It did, beccause I thought "oh it's a train, it probably has a ton of friction" I'm glad you mentioned it it was a very interesting read. Here's a link http://www.hk-phy.org/energy/transport/print/trans_is_print_e.html

 

[berkeman]

Good job. Yeah, that's a nice extreme example of minimizing friction in transportation!

 

[Physics345]

Good job. Yeah, that's a nice extreme example of minimizing friction in transportation!

I really appreciate it! At this point I'm working on my last question then I'm going to post two more just to clarify a few concepts you guys are really helping me understand things at a much faster rate.
Oh also, if you wanted to chime in on the current problem I'm working, here's the link:
https://www.physicsforums.com/threa...eck-my-work-artificial-gravity-report.939299/
Another Question quickly gone through with the help of my My Mentor Berkeman! Thank you very much!