If you wish to reduce the stress (which is related to centripetal force) on high-speed tires, would you use large- or small diameter tires? Explain.
Solution 3CQ
Stress is defined as the ratio of force to area.
Mathematically, stress
If the stress has to be reduced, the area has to be increased. Area can be increased by increasing the diameter of the tires. The tires are circular, the area is , where
is the diameter. So, an increase in diameter increases the area, which would lead to a reduction in the stress.
Therefore, large diameter tires have to be used to reduce the stress.