Final answer:
The frictional force on skidding cars in a collision scenario would be nearly constant if the road and tire conditions do not change during the skid. However, any change in these conditions could cause the frictional force to vary. Therefore, a constant frictional force is a simplification that may not always hold true in real-world conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
In assessing whether the frictional force on skidding cars would be constant in a collision scenario, it is necessary to consider the nature of frictional forces. Static friction and kinetic friction are two distinct types of friction that would play a role. Static friction acts on objects that are not moving relative to each other, while kinetic friction acts on objects that are sliding. When a car is skidding, it is experiencing kinetic friction, which tends to be nearly constant for a given set of surfaces and conditions. However, the frictional force can change if the conditions of the road surface change (ice, water, debris, etc.), if the car's weight distribution changes due to cargo or passengers shifting, or if the tires begin to wear down and lose tread.
During a collision, the friction can act as a significant force, opposing the car's motion and causing it to slow down. If details like road conditions or tire condition change during the skid, then the assumption of a constant frictional force would not be accurate. However, in scenarios where those variables remain constant, the frictional force could be modeled closely as constant. It should be noted that in most real-world scenarios, there are numerous variables that could cause the frictional force to vary during a skidding event.