Zero Friction on the Moon: Driving at Constant Velocity Without Air Resistance

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SUMMARY

When driving on the Moon at constant velocity without air resistance, the friction force between the tires and the road is negligible, primarily due to the absence of braking or acceleration. However, there is still a minimal "rolling resistance" caused by the deformation of both the tire and the road surface. This rolling resistance is responsible for the gradual slowing of the vehicle over time. In a scenario where the vehicle is coasting, the only force acting on it will be friction, which includes both rolling resistance and any potential air resistance, even if minimal.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Basic knowledge of friction and rolling resistance
  • Familiarity with vehicle dynamics
  • Concept of deformation in materials
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of rolling resistance on vehicle performance
  • Explore the principles of friction in different environments, such as icy surfaces
  • Learn about the physics of motion in low-gravity environments
  • Investigate the mechanics of tire deformation and its impact on vehicle dynamics
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, automotive engineers, and anyone interested in the dynamics of vehicles operating in low-friction environments.

Mohamad
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Suppose we are driving on moon (I mean there is not air resistance) at a constant velocity. Suddenly the car goes on an icy land (the friction is zero). What happens?
In other words, if we drive at constant velocity and there isn't air resistance, Is there any friction force between tires and road? If yes, why?
 
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Mohamad said:
Summary: Is there any friction force when we drive at a constant velocity?

Suppose we are driving on moon (I mean there is not air resistance) at a constant velocity. Suddenly the car goes on an icy land (the friction is zero). What happens?
In other words, if we drive at constant velocity and there isn't air resistance, Is there any friction force between tires and road? If yes, why?
If a wheeled vehicle is neither braking nor accelerating, then there is negligible friction. Technically there is a "rolling resistance", which may be also small, and explains why rolling is so efficient. An object, wheel or ball, rolling on a smooth surfaces slows down gradually. Whereas, a flat object sliding on a surface tends to slow down under friction.
 
Mohamad said:
...(the friction is zero)...Is there any friction ...
The answer is in your premise.
 
A.T. said:
The answer is in your premise.
No, I only asked my question in two ways. Is there any friction force? and if no, so the car continues its straight route with no problem on an icy land.
 
Mohamad said:
In other words, if we drive at constant velocity and there isn't air resistance, Is there any friction force between tires and road? If yes, why?

Yes. At the place where the tire makes contact with road there is deformation of both the tire and the road.
 
PeroK said:
An object, wheel or ball, rolling on a smooth surfaces slows down gradually.
Are there any differences between a ball and the tire of a car, whereas the tires of car get their force from the engine?
 
Mister T said:
Yes. At the place where the tire makes contact with road there is deformation of both the tire and the road.
Has the friction force the same direction as the car moving or is in the opposite?
 
In the absence of friction (but still with real dissipative tire flexion) the tire will rotationally decelerate but the car will maintain speed . The deceleration of the tire would be caused by differential vertical flexion, not "friction"
 
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Mohamad said:
Has the friction force the same direction as the car moving or is in the opposite?
You can work this out for yourself by considering that a car coasting without power will eventually come to a stop. Because it is coasting without power the only force acting on it will be friction (both rolling resistance and air resistance are forms of friction).
1) what are the initial and final speeds?
2) in view of the answer to #1, what is the change in velocity? (Be careful to get the sign right)
3) acceleration is defined to be the change in velocity over time. What direction is the acceleration?
4) what direction will the force point to produce acceleration in that direction?
 

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