Science

Why are train wheels not fitted with rubber? Know the science behind this

You will find rubber in the wheels of everything running on the road. Be it a car, bike, bus or truck. Even plane wheels have rubber. Now the question arises that if every vehicle has rubber wheels, then what is there in a train that its wheels are made of iron. Along with this, we will also know what will happen if rubber is fitted in the wheels of a train.

Why Are Train Wheels Metal And Car Wheels Rubber? ยป ScienceABC

Why are train wheels not made of rubber?

The answer to this question is hidden in friction. Actually, trains travel longer distances than other vehicles. Along with this, their speed is very fast. This is the reason why train wheels are made of metal. Actually, if rubber is fitted in the wheels of a train, then it will create more friction.

This will cause the speed of the train to slow down. Apart from this, if rubber is fitted in the wheels of a train, then they will wear out quickly and then they will have to be replaced. The train is so huge and heavy that it would be almost impossible to change its wheels so quickly. This is the reason why train wheels are not made of rubber.

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What did people answer to this?

Many people have answered this question on Quora. One user wrote that if rubber is put in the wheels of the train, then it will use more force to move. This will increase fuel consumption. Another user wrote that if you use rubber in the wheels of the train, then it will not work properly on the tracks. Apart from this, rubber wheels can also burst due to excessive weight. This can cause a major accident. This is the reason why rubber is not used in the wheels of the train.