Question

Friction plays a crucial role in NASCAR racing. For each type of friction, choose the correct effect it has on the race car.

Which effect does static friction have on the car?
a) It tends to slow the vehicle down and is affected by the car's shape and size.
b) It slows the car down once the tires lock and begin to slide.
c) It keeps the race car from rolling while it is parked.
d) It increases the speed of the car.

Answer 1

Static friction is a force that acts on a race car while it is parked. It is different from kinetic friction, which acts when the car is in motion. In NASCAR, static friction helps provide the necessary grip for tires during a race.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct effect static friction has on a NASCAR race car is to keep the car from rolling while it is parked, noted as option c. Static friction is a force that must be overcome to initiate movement from rest. Once a car or any other object is in motion, a different type of friction, called kinetic friction, comes into play.

There are two varieties of friction: kinetic and static friction. Kinetic friction acts on objects in motion, whereas static friction acts on objects at rest. This is captured in option b. Specifically, in NASCAR racing, static friction is critical in providing the grip needed for the cars' tires on the track, especially around curves, where it acts as the centripetal force preventing the race car from spinning out.