What is the mechanical force that makes trains or trolley go up the hills?

Question

The rail and wheels of the trains the friction are poor how an heavy mass like this can move up hills. What is the mechanism?

Answer 1

SO much weight of the train gives it traction. Plus momentum does alot

Answer 2

True, locomotive wheels are designed for low friction. This feature requires that locomotives be heavy enough to prevent slipping when the locomotive begins pulling its cars.

The more weight, the better the wheel "adhesion" (ability of the wheel to turn without slipping) which increases the "tractive effort" (pulling force exerted) of the locomotive. In fact, if a locomotive is over powered and has poor adhesion, it may be ballasted with concrete to increase its weight and thus will increase its adhesion and tractive effort.

Sand is caried on all locomotives and is spread on the track trough tubes near the wheels. If the train starts slipping because of moisture, leaves or oil, the operator, or an automatic systems will dispense the sand to increase locomotive wheel adhesion.

As locomotive size increases, so does the number of wheels it rests on. Designers balance the need for weight to improve adhesion with the requirement that the locomotive must not damage the rails or roadbed.

Railroad right of ways generally do not use grades greater than three percent if possible. Grades are generally 2% or less so that locomotive wheels do not slip while pulling. Helper locomotives are often used to get a train over a hill, and then the helper will return to the hill to help the next train.

During the 60s and earlier, locomotives would back up to get cars as close together as possible. Older couplers had significant "slack" which allowed the cars to be further apart or closer together. Locomotive operators would first back up locomotives with reduced adhesion so that they could get a running start. As they moved forward each car would start moving without the weight of the train behind them. This allowed the locomotive to gain momentum and speed before it had to pull the entire string of cars.

Answer 3

The weight of the train itself provides sufficient traction. However, most trains cannot negotiate a grade of more than 6 to 8 percent befor the drive wheels start to slip. That's why "cog railroads", which utilize a toothed gear and track, exist for going up mountainsides and such. There is one here in Colorado Springs that goes up the side of Pikes Peak, and it travels an incline of about 35-40 degrees.

Answer 4

The Engine.

Answer 5

friction and the weight of the train are responsables of allowing it to go up. if you place grease in the tracks, the train won't go up.

Answer 6

Linear inertia

Answer 7

warp drive

Answer 8

momentum