Question

On a slippery road we generally take small foot steps because

• A. we want to reduce our normal reaction force.
• B. slippery road cannot produce large frictional force.
• C. small foot steps produce small frictional force.
• D. roughness of the road can be increased by taking small foot steps.

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (C)

The correct options are
B slippery road cannot produce large frictional force.
C small foot steps produce small frictional force.

We give force (called action force) to the road and road gives us static friction as reaction force. By this reaction force we can walk. Both the forces are equal and opposite. Now in the slippery road maximum value of the static frictional force is very less. So we have to take small foot steps such that it cannot cross the maximum value of the static friction. Thus we can walk without falling down. By taking small foot steps we cannot change the normal force or roughness of the road.