Question

why tankers(used in wars)have no wheels

Answer 1

Caterpillar tracks are more versatile and provide better traction over all surfaces as they have a greater surface area. They also allow the tanks to spin on the spot, by moving one track forward and the other back.

Answer 2

even tyres prtovide better traction,and how the tank spin in cater pillar tracks

Answer 3

Tyres do not provide better traction as they do not have a particularly large contact area with the ground and therefore their frictional force is low and thus can not accelerate so quickly.

They can spin on the spot by moving one track forward and one track in reverse. This can be imagined in another way. Imagine you have sofa and you need to spin it around. The best way would be for you to push one end and your friend to push the other end in the opposite direction. This is exactly how the tank works, except you are replaced by the tracks and the sofa is the tank. This set up of parallel forces is known as a torque.

Answer 4

OK
Thanks

Answer 5

@ dannja : frictional force does not depend on the amount of surface area in contact. plz note.

Answer 6

mohan kk: then friction force depend on the altitude of surface by which the force may slow down

Answer 7

@mohankk: You're correct. I apologise. Tracks are used instead of tyres as they are more durable and can transfer more power.

Answer 8

They are used because of the great weight.. They provide exactly the same net force as tires would, however that force is spread over a lot larger area (therefore the tank wont sink in the mud). Since the force under tires would be great, tires would likely slide when trying to start.

Answer 9

How does the tank sink in tyres

Answer 10

The earth under the tank yields (moves and distorts, allowing the tank to sink) when the pressure exerted on it exceeds its strength.

Pressure is equal to force(or weight) divided by area. Therefore, because treads have a larger area, they will exert a smaller pressure for a vehicle of the same weight.

Metal treads are also more durable, as they cannot be punctured by objects the way that inflatable rubber tires can be.