Question

Explain why sportsmen use shoes with spikes.

Answer 1

In this question, we need to give the reason behind the spikes present in the shoes of the sportsperson. For this, we will use the concept of friction and try to relate the things in reality.

Complete step by step answer:
A sportsman needs a really good grip on the ground so that he does not slip while running fast on the track. When two surfaces come in contact with each other, a force named friction comes into play, which basically stops them from slipping over each other. That means the force of friction works in the opposite direction of the slipping direction of motion. Smoother the surfaces will be more, they will slip over each other, and if the two contacting surfaces are rougher, then they can hold up together well and will not slip. Sportsmen wear spikes for the same, i.e. to increase the force of friction between their feet and the ground and hence reducing the chances of slipping.

Note:
friction is a mutual force it only exists when two bodies come into contact. If someone thinks that we cannot imagine a world without the force of friction. For instance, we would not be even able to walk or write without friction as there would not be any force holding us to the ground or the tip of the pen on the paper.