What movements do the wheels and car body make when a car is in motion?

[VonLaura]

When a car is in motion, the wheels rotate around the axle, which is rotational movement; the car body moves forward on the ground from the rear, which is translational movement. Below is the extended content: Translation is a type of movement where, during the motion of an object, the direction and distance between any two points on the object remain unchanged from one point to another. Rotation is a type of movement where, during the motion of an object, every point maintains a constant distance from a single point (which can be outside the object). This is called rotation around that point, which is referred to as the object's center of rotation. The wheel consists of a rim and a tire, with the tire mounted on the rim. The tire is a crucial component of the car, being the only part that comes into contact with the ground. This component affects the car's driving stability and safety. Tires are made of rubber, and rubber products can age over time with prolonged use. Therefore, tires need to be replaced regularly. Under normal circumstances, tires installed on a car can be used for four years, and it is recommended to replace them every four years. When purchasing new tires, it's important to check the production date carefully, as tires have a shelf life.

[CoreyFitz]

When a car is moving, the wheels primarily perform rotational motion. They spin rapidly around their own axes, propelling the vehicle forward through friction with the ground. Especially during turns or on bumpy roads, the wheels may shift slightly sideways or bounce, with the suspension system helping to absorb vibrations. The car body, on the other hand, undergoes translational motion, moving straight ahead as a whole. However, when steering, the body gently rotates—like pivoting around a point during a turn—and tilts slightly to balance forces. This reminds me of driving older cars where poor coordination between wheels and body could easily lead to skidding or jolting. Fortunately, modern suspension designs have improved significantly, making driving more stable and safer. In everyday driving, this combination of motions allows the car to navigate turns or climb hills smoothly while maintaining comfort.

[DelIvan]

The wheels continuously rotate during driving, with the rotational power coming from the engine, propelling the vehicle forward. The car body moves linearly as a whole, but undergoes rotational motion during lane changes or turns, adjusting its direction to follow the wheels. The suspension system coordinates between them—for example, when encountering bumps, the wheels bounce up and down while the car body remains stable with minimal shaking. This actually involves quite a bit of physics, as the friction and grip of the wheels directly affect whether the car body deviates. I remember once driving on a mountain road when the wheels rotated too aggressively, causing the car body to tilt noticeably—fortunately, I had adjusted the tire pressure in advance to stabilize it. Properly coordinating the wheels and car body can reduce the risk of accidents.

[PhoebeMarie]

During driving, the wheels perform rotational motion, turning in circles to propel the vehicle forward. The vehicle body undergoes translational motion, moving straight along the road. When turning, the situation changes as the wheels steer to direct the vehicle, introducing a slight rotational motion. The suspension system helps absorb vibrations from uneven road surfaces, maintaining overall stability. From a safety perspective, good wheel traction prevents the vehicle from slipping, especially in rain or snow, where attention to tire pressure and braking is crucial.

[MacJosie]

The wheels perform rolling motion during driving, rotating around the axle to provide forward thrust. The vehicle body undergoes translational movement, but when steering or encountering bumps, it participates in rotation and slight undulations. Tire pressure and suspension design facilitate smoother interaction between them; for example, during high-speed cornering when the wheels skid sideways, the body leans outward to balance centrifugal forces affecting comfort. Having driven some performance cars myself, I've observed how the wheels' motion patterns, like rolling friction, dynamically influence the body's movement, which relates to driving pleasure and efficiency. Regular maintenance ensures this coordination.