Why are roads leading up steep mountains constructed with zig-zag winding turns (ghats) rather than going…

Why are roads leading up steep mountains constructed with zig-zag winding turns (ghats) rather than going straight up the slope?
  1. To increase the speed of vehicles going uphill
  2. To decrease the steepness of the slope, reducing the effort needed by vehicle engines
  3. To make the distance shorter between the bottom and top of the mountain
  4. To prevent friction between vehicle tires and the road surface

Solution

Winding mountain roads act as gentle inclined planes. Increasing the length of the slope reduces the steepness, allowing vehicle engines to push up the mountain using less force.

Asked in: Homi Bhabha Practice

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