Which road surface has the least traction?

Which road surface has the least traction?

• A. Ice
• B. Wet pavement
• C. Gravel
• D. Dry asphalt

Answer: (C)

Traction comes from how much grip the tire can get on a surface, which depends on friction. Ice is extremely slick, with a smooth, nearly frictionless layer that lets tires slide easily, so it offers the least grip. Wet pavement adds a thin film of water that reduces contact and grip, but it generally provides more traction than ice. Gravel has loose particles that can shift under the tire, reducing grip compared to solid surfaces but still not as slick as ice. Dry asphalt is rough and dry, maximizing friction and grip. So, the surface with the least traction is ice.

Traction comes from how much grip the tire can get on a surface, which depends on friction. Ice is extremely slick, with a smooth, nearly frictionless layer that lets tires slide easily, so it offers the least grip. Wet pavement adds a thin film of water that reduces contact and grip, but it generally provides more traction than ice. Gravel has loose particles that can shift under the tire, reducing grip compared to solid surfaces but still not as slick as ice. Dry asphalt is rough and dry, maximizing friction and grip. So, the surface with the least traction is ice.