1.
Introduction to Friction
Friction is a force that opposes the relative motion or tendency of motion
between two surfaces in contact. It is present everywhere in our daily life,
from walking on the ground to driving vehicles. Without friction, many
activities would become impossible. Friction is both useful and harmful
depending on the situation.
2. Meaning and Definition of Friction
The word friction is derived from the Latin word "fricare", which means to
rub. Friction is a common force that we experience every day. Whenever two
surfaces come into contact and one surface tries to move over the other, a
force is produced that opposes this motion. This opposing force is called
friction.
Definition: Friction is the force that resists the motion of one surface over
another surface when they are in [Link] always acts in a direction opposite
to the motion or attempted motion of an object.
Unit: Newton (N) Symbol: F
3. Causes of Friction
1. Irregularities on Surfaces : Even surfaces that appear smooth to our eyes
are not perfectly smooth when viewed under a microscope. They contain tiny
bumps, ridges, and depressions. When two surfaces touch each other, these
irregularities interlock and resist motion, producing friction.
2. Intermolecular Forces : The molecules of the two surfaces attract each
other when they come into contact. This molecular attraction creates
resistance against motion and contributes to friction.
3. Deformation of Surface : When force is applied, the surfaces in contact
may undergo slight deformation or compression. Energy is required to
overcome this deformation during motion, which increases the frictional
force between the surfaces.
4. Types of Friction
Friction is classified into different types depending on the nature of motion
between the surfaces in contact. The four main types of friction are Static
Friction, Sliding Friction, Rolling Friction, and Fluid Friction.
1. Static Friction
Definition
Static friction is the frictional force that acts between two surfaces when there
is no relative motion between them. It prevents the object from starting to
move.
When an external force is applied to an object at rest, static friction adjusts its
magnitude to balance applied force until a maximum value is reached
Formula
For static friction
f≤μN
Maximum static friction
f max = μN
Where,
f = static friction
μ = coefficient of static friction
N = normal reaction
Characteristics
Acts only when object is at rest
Opposes the tendency of motion
Varies from zero up to maximum value
Usually greater than sliding friction
Example
A heavy box resting on the floor
A parked car
A koon lying on the table
Application
Help us walk
Keep object stationary
Prevents vehicle from rolling unintentionally
2. Sliding Friction
Definition
Sliding friction is the frictional force that acts when one surface slides over
another surface.
Once the applied force exceeds the limiting friction, the object starts moving
and static friction is replaced by sliding friction.
Formula
fk = μk N
where,
fk = Sliding (kinetic) friction
μk = Coefficient of kinetic friction
N = Normal reactio
Characteristics
Acts only during sliding motion.
Smaller than maximum static friction.
Produces heat and wear of surfaces.
Depends on the nature of surfaces.
Examples
Dragging a suitcase across the floor.
Sliding a book on a table.
A block moving on a rough surface.
Furniture being pushed across a room.
Applications
Braking systems.
Sandpaper polishing.
Writing with chalk on a blackboard.
3. Rolling Friction
Definition
Rolling friction is the frictional force that acts when a body rolls over a
surface.
Rolling friction is much smaller than sliding friction because there is less
surface deformation and less resistance to motion.
Formula
fr = μr N
Rolling friction is generally expressed as
where,
fr = Rolling friction
μr= Coefficient of rolling friction
N = Normal reaction
Characteristics
Smallest among solid friction types.
Makes motion easier.
Increases efficiency of machines.
Reduces energy loss.
Examples
Wheels of vehicles.
Ball bearings in machines.
Rolling a football.
Trolley wheels.
Applications
Automobiles.
Railway wheels.
Ball bearings.
Conveyor systems.
Importance
Because rolling friction is very small, wheels are used in transportation to
reduce effort and save energy
4. Fluid Friction
Definition
Fluid friction is the frictional force exerted by fluids (liquids and gases) on
objects moving through them.
Fluid friction is also known as drag or air resistance when the fluid is air.
Formula
F = CρAv²
For many situations,
where,
F = Drag force
C = Drag coefficient
ρ = Density of fluid
A = Cross-sectional area
v = Velocity of the object
Characteristics
Depends on speed.
Depends on shape of the object.
Depends on density of the fluid.
Increases rapidly with velocity
Examples
Air resistance on a moving car.
A parachute descending through air.
A swimmer moving through water.
Aircraft flying in the atmosphere.
Applications
Design of airplanes.
Streamlined vehicles.
Sports equipment.
Ship design.
Reducing Fluid Friction
Giving objects streamlined shapes.
Polishing surfaces.
Reducing exposed area.
5. Angle of Friction
Introduction
When an object is placed on a rough surface and an external force is applied,
the frictional force opposes the motion of the object. As the applied force
increases, the frictional force also increases until it reaches its maximum
value, known as limiting friction. At this stage, the resultant of the normal
reaction and the limiting friction makes a certain angle with the normal
reaction. This angle is called the Angle of Friction.
Definition of Angle of Friction
The angle of friction is defined as the angle between the normal reaction (N)
and the resultant of the normal reaction (N) and the limiting friction. It is
usually denoted by the Greek letter θ (theta).
In simple words, it is the angle formed when the frictional force reaches its
maximum value just before the object starts moving
Derivation
Let W be the weight of the body, R is the normal reaction , fs max is the
limiting friction , P is the applied force and OC is the resultant of limiting
friction and R. The angle θ between the normal reaction and the resultant OC
is, by definition , the angle of friction. ,
tanθ = BC/OB. = OA/OB = fs max/R
But fs max/R = coefficient of friction
tanθ = μ
Thus the coefficient of static friction is equal to the tangent of the angle of
Friction.
6. Angle of Repose
Introduction
The concept of angle of repose is closely related to friction. When a body is
placed on an inclined plane, it remains at rest as long as the frictional force is
sufficient to oppose its tendency to slide down. As the inclination of the plane
is gradually increased, a stage is reached when the body is just about to slide.
The angle of inclination at this stage is called the angle of repose.
Definition of Angle of Repose
The angle of repose is defined as the minimum angle of inclination of a plane
with the horizontal at which a body placed on it just begins to slide down
under its own weight.
It is generally denoted by φ (phi).
Derivation
Consider a body of mass m placed on an inclined plane. The angle of
inclination φ of the inclined plane is so adjusted that a body placed on it just
begins to slide down. Thus φ is the angle of repose.
Various forces acting on the body are:
(i) Weight mg of the body acting vertically downwards.
(ii) The limiting friction fmax in upward direction along the inclined plane. It
balances the component mg sin φ of the weight mg along the inclined plane.
Thus
fs (max) = mg sinφ...(1)
(iii) The normal reaction R perpendicular to the inclined plane. It balances the
component mg cos φ of the weight mg perpendicular to the inclined plane.
Thus
R = mg cos φ ..(.2)
Dividing equations (1) and (2), we get
fs max/R = mg sinφ/ mg cosφ
Or μ=tanφ
Thus the coefficient of static friction is equal to the tangent of angle of
repose.
[Link] of Friction
The laws of friction were given by Coulomb. These are as follows;
Laws:
[Link] acts opposite to motion.
[Link] is proportional to normal reaction.
[Link] depends on the nature of surfaces.
[Link] friction is less than limiting friction.
[Link] is independent of area of contact for dry surfaces.
9. Factors Affecting Friction
[Link] of surfaces.
[Link] of surfaces.
[Link] force between surfaces.
[Link] of lubricants.
[Link] of motion (sliding or rolling).
[Link] roughness generally leads to greater friction.
11. Friction in Daily Life
Examples:
[Link] and running.
[Link] objects.
3 Writing with a pen.
[Link] stairs.
[Link] a matchstick.
12. Friction in Machines
Effects:
[Link] and Tear: Continuous rubbing causes machine parts to wear out over
time, reducing their efficiency and lifespan
[Link] Production: Friction generates heat, which can increase the
temperature of machine components and may damage them if not controlled.
[Link] Loss: A part of the useful energy supplied to a machine is lost in
overcoming friction, reducing the machine's overall efficiency.
Methods to Reduce Friction in Machines
[Link] of Lubricants: Oils, grease, and other lubricants form a thin layer
between moving surfaces, reducing direct contact and friction.
[Link] Bearings: Ball bearings convert sliding friction into rolling friction,
which is much smaller and helps machines run smoothly.
13. Friction in Sports
Friction plays an important role in sports. Some examples are as follows;
Examples:
[Link] players use studs for better grip.
[Link] balls swing due to air friction.
[Link] rely on friction for grip.
[Link] skating requires low friction.
[Link] sports require different amounts of friction.
14. Friction in Vehicles and Brakes
Tyres need friction with roads to move safely.
Applications:
[Link] acceleration.
[Link] and steering.
[Link] systems.
[Link] pads create friction with rotating wheels and convert kinetic
energy into heat, slowing down the vehicle.
15. Friction and Heat Production
Examples of Heat Produced by Friction
[Link] Hands Together: Hands become warm because friction
converts mechanical energy into heat energy.
[Link] Brakes: Friction between brake pads and wheels generates
heat, helping the vehicle slow down and stop.
[Link] Parts: Moving parts of machines become hot due to
continuous rubbing against each other.
[Link] a Matchstick: Friction between the match head and the rough
surface produces enough heat to ignite the chemicals.
[Link] and Cutting Operations: Tools become hot while drilling or
cutting materials due to friction.
16. Applications of Friction
[Link] and Running: Friction between our feet and the ground helps
us walk without slipping.
[Link] and Drawing: Friction between the pen or pencil and paper
makes writing possible.
[Link] of Brakes: Friction helps vehicles slow down and stop
safely.
[Link] Objects: Friction provides a firm grip, preventing objects
from slipping from our hands.
[Link] Transmission in Machines: Friction between belts and pulleys
helps transfer power efficiently.
17. Lubricants and Their Uses
Lubricants reduces friction between moving parts. Some uses are
;
Uses;
[Link] wear and tear.
[Link] machine efficiency.
[Link] heating.
[Link] lifespan of machine
18. Experiments Related to Friction
Experiment 1
Aim: To study friction on different surfaces.
Materials: Wooden block, spring balance, sandpaper, glass sheet.
Procedure:
[Link] the block using a spring balance.
[Link] the force required on different surfaces.
[Link] readings.
Observation: Rough surfaces require more force.
Conclusion: Friction depends on the nature of surfaces.
20. Interesting Facts About Friction
[Link] da Vinci was one of the first scientists to study friction
scientifically in the 15th century.
[Link] cannot walk without friction because it provides the grip
between our feet and the ground.
[Link] produces heat when two surfaces rub against each other, such
as while rubbing hands or applying brakes.
[Link] friction is less than sliding friction, making wheels and ball
bearings more efficient.
[Link] has almost no friction because it is nearly a vacuum with very
little air resistance.