Traction is formally defined as?

Traction refers to the grip or friction between a vehicle's tires and the road, which is essential for the vehicle's ability to move, accelerate, and brake effectively. When defined as a physical process in which an indirect force is transmitted across surfaces through dry friction, it accurately captures the essence of how traction works. Dry friction occurs between two surfaces that are not lubricated, which is critical in maintaining control of the vehicle during various driving conditions.

In this context, the focus is on the interaction between the tire surface and the road surface. This interaction allows the tires to grip the road and transmit the necessary forces to the vehicle for movement without slipping. A deeper understanding of traction involves knowing that the effectiveness of this grip can be influenced by various factors, including the condition of the road, tire types, and weather conditions.

The other definitions provided do not specifically encapsulate the idea of traction as it relates to vehicle control, oversimplifying the concept to more general interactions of forces that may not directly involve friction or movement along surfaces.