Why do tractors and heavy agricultural bulldozers use very wide tires or continuous caterpillar tracks?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. To increase contact area with the ground and reduce ground pressure to prevent sinking
- Step 1: Pressure is inversely proportional to surface area: P = F / A. Step 2. Increasing surface area distributes the heavy vehicular weight over a wide base, reducing pressure on soft soil. Answer: To increase contact area with the ground and reduce ground pressure to prevent sinking. Why not the others: Increasing weight would cause more sinking; speed is not increased; cosmetic appearance is irrelevant to engineering design.
Practise more Cycles, Energy, Machines and Forces.
Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed Basic Education Certificate Examination mock tests.
More Cycles, Energy, Machines and Forces questions
- Which step in the hydrological (water) cycle involves the loss of water vapour from plant leaves into the atmosphere?
- What term describes the continuous process by which liquid water changes into invisible water vapour at ambient temperatures?
- In the carbon cycle, which natural biological process removes carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere?
- Which group of soil microorganisms converts atmospheric nitrogen into nitrogenous compounds usable by plants?
- What form of potential energy is stored in the chemical bonds of firewood, food, and petroleum fuels?
- What is the energy conversion that takes place when an electric blender is plugged in and switched on?