Automobiles have anti-lock braking systems to prevent the wheels from locking when the brake is suddenly applied. Rather than applying a constant force on the wheel, an anti-lock braking system exerts a series of forces of short duration on the wheel. Why would this be true?(1 point)

Question

Responses

When the tire is locked, the frictional force is greater but the car cannot be steered
When the tire is locked, the frictional force is greater but the car cannot be steered

The kinetic friction force is larger than the static friction force
The kinetic friction force is larger than the static friction force

The static friction force is larger than the kinetic friction force
The static friction force is larger than the kinetic friction force

The coefficient of kinetic friction of the road in motion with respect the skidding tire is larger than the static coefficient of the road

Answer 1

The correct response is: The static friction force is larger than the kinetic friction force.

In an anti-lock braking system (ABS), the goal is to prevent the wheels from locking up. When a wheel locks up, it transitions from static friction (which is typically higher) to kinetic friction (which is lower) as it skids. This reduction in friction limits the car's ability to stop effectively and compromises steering control. By applying a series of short, controlled forces (pulsing the brakes), ABS allows the wheels to maintain rotation, maximizing static friction, improving stopping distance, and retaining steering capability.