Can you explain the mathematics and science involved?
-
Friction happens when two surfaces move along each other, or try to. However, when something circular rolls, the very bottom surface where it touches the ground never moves forward. The forward movement happens mostly at the top.
Another force on something on the ground is normal force, but that is perpendicular to the movement, and so doesn't add or remove energy. On flat ground, gravity is also perpendicular and doesn't add or remove energy.
The only things to slow down a circular rolling object on flat ground are much more minute forces, which are collectively given the name "rolling friction".
Another force on something on the ground is normal force, but that is perpendicular to the movement, and so doesn't add or remove energy. On flat ground, gravity is also perpendicular and doesn't add or remove energy.
The only things to slow down a circular rolling object on flat ground are much more minute forces, which are collectively given the name "rolling friction".
-
Rolling resistance is the force that resists the rolling of a wheel or other circular object along a surface caused by deformations in the object and/or surface. Generally the force of rolling resistance is less than that associated with kinetic friction.Typical values for the coefficient of rolling resistance are 0.001 One of the most common examples of rolling resistance is the movement of motor vehicle tires on a road, a process which generates heat and sound as by-products.