Prelims 2013 · Science and Technology · Question 38
Ball bearings are used in bicycles, cars, etc., because
Answer
the effective area of contact between the wheel and axle is reduced
- (a) Ball bearings do not increase the actual contact area in a useful sense; they replace sliding contact with rolling contact. Verdict: Incorrect.
- (b) They do not increase the effective area of contact; the purpose is to reduce friction. Verdict: Incorrect.
- (c) Ball bearings reduce the effective area of contact and convert sliding friction into much smaller rolling friction. Verdict: Correct.
- (d) Since option (c) is correct, this is false. Verdict: Incorrect.