Chapter 4: Problem 9

Bicycle tires are often inflated to pressures as high as 75 psi, whereas automobile tires, which must support much heavier loads, are pumped to only 32 psi. Why is that? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Answer: Bicycle tires are inflated to higher pressures due to their smaller size and narrower contact area, which require higher pressure for efficient weight distribution and maintaining low rolling resistance. In contrast, automobile tires have a larger surface area and more robust sidewalls, allowing them to effectively distribute weight and perform well at lower pressures. Higher pressure in bicycle tires also helps in maximizing efficiency, as bicycles rely on human power and are more sensitive to rolling resistance.

Step by step solution

Understand the role of air pressure in tires

Air pressure inside the tire helps distribute the weight of the vehicle evenly across the surface of the tire. A higher air pressure within the tire allows it to perform better in terms of load distribution, traction, and fuel efficiency.\par

Compare the size and weight of bicycle tires to automobile tires

Bicycle tires are generally much smaller and thinner than automobile tires. This makes them have less surface area contacting the ground, which then requires them to support more load per unit area. Meanwhile, automobile tires have a larger surface area and a more robust sidewall structure that allows them to better distribute the weight of the car.\par

Discuss the weight distribution relating to tire pressure

Since bicycle tires are smaller and have less surface area, they require higher pressure to distribute the weight of the bike and the rider more effectively. A higher pressure helps maintain the optimal shape of the tire in relation to the ground and maintain good traction. In comparison, automobile tires have a larger surface area for weight distribution, so they don't require such high pressure to achieve similar load distribution and traction performance.\par

Compare the required pressure for optimal performance

With a higher pressure, bicycle tires can minimize rolling resistance and maximize efficiency. This is particularly important for bicycles, as they rely on human power, and low rolling resistance can have a significant impact on the cyclist's ability to maintain speed and save energy. In contrast, while automobile tires do still need to optimize for rolling resistance, it is less critical due to the much greater power provided by the engine, which offsets the impact of slightly higher rolling resistance.\par

Conclusion

The difference in inflating pressures between bicycle and automobile tires results from the differences in size, weight distribution, and performance requirements. Bicycle tires, being smaller, require higher pressure to effectively distribute the load and maintain low rolling resistance. Automobile tires, on the other hand, have a larger surface area and can distribute the weight more effectively at lower pressures, while also not being as sensitive to rolling resistance due to the car engine's higher power delivery.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Bicycle tires are often inflated to pressures as high as 75 psi, whereas automobile tires, which must support much heavier loads, are pumped to only 32 psi. Why is that? Explain.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand the role of air pressure in tires

Compare the size and weight of bicycle tires to automobile tires

Discuss the weight distribution relating to tire pressure

Compare the required pressure for optimal performance

Conclusion

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Work Energy and Power

Famous Physicists

Astrophysics

Rotational Dynamics

Space Physics

Electromagnetism

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.