ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Road surface

Hi there! Today, we're going to learn about road surfaces! Have you ever been in the car and felt it going over bumps or heard the tires making noise on different types of roads? That's because the surface of the road you're on can be made up of different materials, which affect how it feels when you drive on it.

Let's start with the most common type of road surface: asphalt. Asphalt is made up of tiny rocks, sand, and a black, sticky material called bitumen. When these things are mixed together, they create a smooth surface for cars to drive on. Asphalt also helps prevent skidding and slipping on wet roads, because it's designed to channel water away from the surface.

Another type of road surface is concrete. Concrete is made up of cement, sand, and water. When it dries, it creates a solid, durable surface that can last a long time. It's often used for highways and other roads that get a lot of heavy traffic.

Sometimes, roads are made from gravel or dirt. Gravel roads are made up of small rocks, while dirt roads are just what they sound like - roads made of dirt. These roads can be bumpy and dusty, and aren't usually ideal for driving at high speeds.

There are also special kinds of road surfaces that are designed to help with specific things. For example, in areas where it gets really cold and snowy, you might find roads that are coated in salt or sand to help prevent ice from forming. In places where it's really hot, like in the desert, the road might be made from a special material that helps it stay cool.

So there you have it - road surfaces come in all different types and materials, and they can affect how it feels to drive on them. Stay safe out there on the road, no matter what kind of surface you're on!