📚 Learning Guide
Friction Coefficient Variations
hard

When measuring the frictional forces between a rubber tire and a wet road, how would the static and kinetic friction coefficients likely compare if the temperature of the tire increases due to prolonged braking?

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Choose the Best Answer

A

The static friction coefficient will decrease more than the kinetic friction coefficient.

B

The static friction coefficient will remain unchanged while the kinetic friction coefficient increases.

C

Both friction coefficients will increase equally due to temperature.

D

The kinetic friction coefficient will decrease more than the static friction coefficient.

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

When a tire brakes for a long time it heats up, making the rubber softer and able to press more firmly into the wet road surface. This increased deformation raises the static friction coefficient, because the tire can grip the road better before it starts to slide. The kinetic friction coefficient, which governs sliding once motion begins, does not benefit as much from the softness and may even stay the same or drop slightly as the rubber becomes too pliable. Consequently, the static coefficient will usually rise more than the kinetic coefficient as temperature climbs. For instance, a tire at 70 °C might have a static μ of about 0.

Detailed Explanation

Heat makes rubber softer and less sticky. Other options are incorrect because The belief that a hotter tire would keep static friction same while kinetic rises is mistaken; Assuming both friction levels go up ignores that rubber softens at heat.

Key Concepts

Static vs. Kinetic Friction Coefficient
Measurement Techniques for Friction Coefficient
Temperature Effects on Friction Coefficient
Topic

Friction Coefficient Variations

Difficulty

hard level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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