Question

Is a large brake on a bicycle wheel more effective than a small one? Explain.?

Answer 1

Friction

1. Bicycle brakes are based on friction (the rubbing force between two objects that slide past one another when in contact).
2. When you press the brake levers, a pair of rubber or composite shoes clamp onto the inner surface of the front and back wheels.

Friction depends upon

1. Roughness vs. smoothness of the surface: If the roughness of a surface is greater, the friction will be greater as well. However, if the surface is smooth, friction will be reduced.
2. The shape and design of the object: The greater the object's size, the more friction it will encounter. Friction will also be strong if the mass of the object is large.

Analyzing the brakes

1. According to the factors affecting friction, we can deduce that a large brake on a bicycle wheel is more effective than a small brake since it covers a larger surface area of the wheel. As we discussed the more the area of the surface, the more will be the friction. So if the brake is large there will be large friction between the brakes and the road which will lead to a better grip.
2. Therefore, a large brake on a bicycle wheel is more effective than a small brake. Because larger brakes cover more tier surface area than smaller brakes.

Hence, large brakes on a bicycle are more effective than small brakes.