Question

While walking on ice, one should take small steps to avoid slipping. This is because smaller steps ensure
(a) larger friction
(b) smaller friction
(c) larger normal force
(d) smaller normal force.

Answer 1

(b) smaller friction

According to the first law of the limiting friction,
f = μN
where f is the frictional force
μ is the coefficient of friction
N is the normal reaction force

When we take smaller steps on ice, the normal reaction force exerted by the ice is small. Therefore, the smaller steps ensure smaller friction.