Why does the rotation of a wheel on a car force the car to move? I was told it was due to the wheel ‘pushing the ground and propelling the car,’ but this seems a little basic.

Question

I know it seems stupid but I can’t grasp the Physics behind it.

Thanks.

In: Physics

Answer 1

The tire creates enough friction that the wheel can not spin freely. This causes it to move forward instead, not pushing the ground but pushing the car.