Question

Which of the brakes are effective on a bicycle?

(a) Small ones

(b) Bigger ones

(c) Both small and big

(d) Neither small nor big

This question was addressed to me by my college director while I was bunking the class.

I'd like to ask this question from Friction and Forces topic in chapter Laws of Motion of Engineering Physics I

Answer 1

Right option is (c) Both small and big

For explanation I would say: Action of brakes is based on friction. But the friction is independent of the area of surfaces in contact so long as the normal reaction remains the same, Hence, larger size brakes and normal size brakes will be equally effective if the material of brakes remains unchanged.