Friction - Improve Your Learning (Detailed
Answers)
I.1 Explain the types of friction with suitable examples.
Answer:
1. Static friction acts when an object is at rest and prevents it from moving.
2. Sliding friction acts when two surfaces slide over each other.
3. Rolling friction acts when an object rolls on a surface and is smaller than sliding
friction.
4. Fluid friction acts when an object moves through air or water.
5. Friction is useful because it helps us walk, write and hold objects.
Simple concept: Friction is a force that opposes motion between two surfaces.
Real-life example: A bicycle tyre rolling on the road experiences rolling friction.
I.2 Book pushed on a table: forces acting
1. Weight (gravity) acts downward.
2. Normal reaction from the table acts upward.
3. Applied force acts in the direction of the push.
4. Friction acts opposite to the motion.
5. If the push is greater than friction, the book moves.
Simple FBD:
↑ Normal
↓ Weight
→ Push ← Friction
Real-life example: Pushing a notebook across a desk.
I.3 Examples of sliding friction
1. Sliding a book on a table.
2. Dragging a suitcase.
3. Erasing with an eraser.
4. Sliding a box on the floor.
5. Child sliding on a playground slide.
Concept: Sliding friction occurs when one surface slides over another.
Real-life example: Moving furniture in a house.
I.4 How lubrication reduces friction
1. Lubricants form a thin layer between surfaces.
2. They reduce direct contact.
3. Heat production decreases.
4. Wear and tear decreases.
5. Machine life increases.
Concept: Oil or grease makes movement smoother.
Example: Engine oil in bikes and cars.
I.5 Friction proportional to normal force
1. Greater normal force gives greater friction.
2. Heavy objects are harder to push.
3. Light objects move more easily.
4. More weight increases surface pressing force.
5. Therefore friction increases with load.
Example: A loaded trolley is harder to push than an empty one.
II.1 Why sportsmen use spiked shoes
1. Spikes increase grip.
2. They prevent slipping.
3. Athletes can run faster.
4. Better balance while turning.
5. Safer on grass and tracks.
Example: Cricket and football players wear spikes.
II.2 Walking on a soapy marble floor
1. Soap reduces friction.
2. Feet lose grip.
3. Slipping chances increase.
4. Balance becomes difficult.
5. Walking becomes unsafe.
Example: Wet bathroom floors.
II.3 If friction is not reduced in machines
1. Parts wear out quickly.
2. More heat is produced.
3. Energy is wasted.
4. Efficiency decreases.
5. Machine life becomes shorter.
Example: Car engines need oil.
II.4 Purpose of ball bearings
1. Reduce friction.
2. Convert sliding friction into rolling friction.
3. Allow smooth rotation.
4. Reduce wear and heating.
5. Increase machine life.
Examples: Bicycle wheels, ceiling fans, electric motors.
II.5 FBD of block on inclined plane
Diagram:
↑N
/▢ ← Friction (up the slope)
/
__/________
↓ Weight (gravity)
1. Weight acts vertically downward.
2. Normal reaction is perpendicular to the plane.
3. Friction acts opposite to motion.
4. Gravity pulls the block down the slope.
5. Motion depends on gravity and friction.
Example: A box sliding down a ramp.