Eli5 : How do wheels push a car forward ?

Question

I know that a motor, through transmission, make wheels turn. But.. How do wheels “drive” a whole car (or anything with wheels and a motor) ? Where do the force apply to make this ton of steel move?

In: 0

Answer 1

The twisting force (torque) on the wheels apply a force to the road through the tyres. This force tries to push the road backwards, but since it’s stuck to the Earth while the car is free to roll, it moves the car forwards instead.