How can trains move on rails? if the wheels are smooth and the rails are also smooth, how can it be enough friction for it to move?
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The use of steel wheels on smooth steel tracks creates a very low rolling resistance – that is, the “braking” force that needs to be overcome to get a wheeled object to move. This low RR gives railway travel a very high efficiency.
Steel/steel friction is low but not zero. Trains are also very heavy, this weight somewhat improves the traction that can be applied. Trains therefore tend to accelerate (and decelerate) fairly slowly. For an electric train, if you’re not paying attention when the train sets off you will sometimes not realise you’re moving, at least for a few seconds.
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