Why are small steps advisable while walking on wet path?
Answer
Let F be the force that the person exerts on the ground. The ground exerts equal and opposite force F on the person. Let $\theta$ be the angle that the force F exerted on the person by the ground makes with the vertical. The force F that ground exerts on the person can be resolved into two components:
$F cos \theta = N$ (normal reaction)
$F sin \theta = Friction \leq \mu. N$
So, $F sin \theta \leq \mu. F cos \theta $
So, $tan \theta \leq \mu $ or $(tan \theta)_{max} = \mu $
The coefficient of friction $\mu $ decreases when the surface is wet. So, the maximum permissible $\theta $ also decreases. Hence, the legs should be kept more nearly vertical, which is achieved by taking smaller steps.