Trains that are mighty metal beasts hurtling across vast landscapes seems to defy physics when they elegantly glide around curves. Let’s delve into the science behind it.
- Conical Wheels: Train wheels aren’t perfect cylinders; they’re slightly conical. Picture a giant ice cream cone, but instead of scoops, it’s a wheel. These beveled wheels play a crucial role in turning.
- Centrifugal Force: When a train enters a curve, centrifugal force comes into play. It pushes the outer wheel toward the larger part of the cone and the inner wheel toward the smaller part. Voilà! The train turns.
- Momentary Size Difference: As the train negotiates the curve, its wheels momentarily become two different sizes. Yet, because they’re connected by an axle, they continue to spin at the same rate.
In summary, next time you see a train elegantly gliding around a bend, remember the magic of conical wheels and centrifugal forces that keep it on track.
