Friction
1. What is Friction?
Friction is a force that opposes motion between two surfaces in
contact.
When an object moves or tries to move over a surface, friction acts in
the opposite direction of motion.
Causes of Friction
Friction occurs because all surfaces have irregularities, even smooth
ones.
These irregularities interlock and resist motion.
The rougher the surface, the greater the irregularities, and therefore
more friction.
Types of Friction
(A) Static Friction
The friction that acts when an object is not moving, but force is applied
to move it.
Always greater than sliding friction.
Example: Pushing a heavy table that does not move.
(B) Sliding Friction
The friction that acts when one object slides over another.
Lesser than static friction.
Example: A book sliding on a table.
(C) Rolling Friction
The friction that acts when an object rolls on a surface (wheel, ball,
cylinder).
Least among all types of friction.
Reason: Rolling reduces the area of contact.
Example: A bicycle moving on the road.
(D) Fluid Friction (Drag)
Fluids = liquids + gases
Objects moving in fluids experience friction called drag.
Drag depends on:
Speed of the object
Shape of the object
Density of the fluid
Factors Affecting Friction
(i) Nature of surfaces
Rough surface → more friction
Smooth surface → less friction
(ii) Force pressing surfaces together
More weight/force → more interlocking → more friction
(iii) Area of contact in rolling
Sliding → more area contact
Rolling → less area contact → less friction
5. Advantages of Friction
Helps us walk, otherwise we would slip.
Helps hold and grip objects.
Necessary for writing with pen or pencil.
Brakes, tyres work due to friction.
Nails, screws stay fixed because of friction.
Machines belts (conveyor belts) work due to friction.
6. Disadvantages of Friction
Produces heat, causing wear and tear in machines.
Wastes energy.
Reduces efficiency of engines.
Causes overheating of parts (like motors).
Makes movement difficult when friction is too high.
7. How to Increase Friction
Making surfaces rough.
Using textured tyres.
Using brake shoes in bicycles.
Using spikes in shoes of athletes to get more grip.
Using sand on slippery roads for grip.
How to Reduce Friction
Lubrication (oil, grease) to smoothen surfaces.
Polishing surfaces to reduce irregularities.
Using wheels/ball bearings to convert sliding friction into rolling
friction.
Streamlined shape to reduce fluid friction.
Example: Airplanes, ships, birds, fishes.
Fluid Friction and Streamlining
Objects moving fast in fluids face high resistance.
Streamlined shape reduces drag by allowing fluid to flow smoothly
around the body.
Birds and fish naturally have streamlined shapes.
Cars and airplanes are designed to be streamlined.
Friction: A Necessary Evil
Friction is both useful and harmful.
Useful → walking, writing, holding things
Harmful → heat generation, wear and tear
Therefore, friction is called a “necessary evil.”
Ball Bearings
Small metal balls placed between moving parts.
They reduce friction by converting sliding friction into rolling friction.
Used in fans, bicycles, motors, and wheel hubs.
Sprinkling Powder
Powder reduces contact between surfaces.
Used by gymnasts or barbers to reduce friction for easy movement.
Friction Depends on Smoothness of Fluids Too
More viscosity → more friction
Example: Honey has more friction than water.
Friction Produces Heat
Rubbing hands → heat
Rubbing matchstick → catches fire
Machines need regular oiling to avoid excess heat due to friction.
NCERT Concepts
1. Why moving objects on wheels feel easier ?
rolling friction < sliding friction
2. Why spikes are used in sports shoes
increase friction
3. Why wheels of vehicles get heated up
friction produces heat
4. Why spacecraft need streamlining
reduce drag
5. Why a rocket faces high resistance
speed + air density + shape
6. Why machines need lubrication
reduce wear and tear