Of course!
Here are comprehensive, exam-focused notes from Chapter 9: "Fric-
tion," tailored for competitive exams like SSC, RRB NTPC, and State PSUs.
Chapter 9: Friction – Exam-Focused Notes
1. Introduction to Friction
• Definition: Friction is a force that opposes the relative motion between
two surfaces in contact.
• It acts on both surfaces and always acts in the direction opposite to
the applied force or motion.
• Example: A book pushed on a table stops due to friction.
2. Factors Affecting Friction Friction depends on:
1. Nature of the Surfaces:
• Rough surfaces → more friction.
• Smooth surfaces → less friction.
2. How Hard the Surfaces Press Against Each Other:
• More weight → more friction.
3. Cause of Friction
• Surfaces have microscopic irregularities (even smooth ones).
• These irregularities interlock when surfaces are in contact.
• Force is needed to overcome this interlocking.
4. Types of Friction
Type Description Example
Static Friction Friction when an object Pushing a heavy box
is at rest. initially.
Sliding Friction Friction when an object Sliding a book on a
slides over another. table.
Rolling Friction Friction when an object Bicycle/car moving on
rolls over a surface. wheels.
• Order of Magnitude:
Static > Sliding > Rolling
(Rolling friction is the least)
5. Friction: A Necessary Evil (Friend and Foe)
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A) Advantages (Friend)
• Allows walking without slipping.
• Enables writing with pen/pencil.
• Vehicles can move, stop, or turn.
• Fixing nails, tying knots.
• Brakes work due to friction.
B) Disadvantages (Foe)
• Wears out soles, tires, machine parts.
• Produces heat → wastage of energy.
• Causes damage to moving parts of machines.
6. Increasing and Reducing Friction
A) Increasing Friction
• Make surfaces rough.
– Examples: Treaded tires, spiked shoes, gymnasts using powder,
brake pads.
B) Reducing Friction
• Use lubricants (oil, grease, graphite).
• Use ball bearings (convert sliding to rolling friction).
• Streamlined shapes for objects moving in fluids.
• Polishing surfaces (to some extent).
7. Rolling Friction
• Rolling is easier than sliding.
• Ball bearings are used in machines to reduce friction.
• Examples: Ceiling fans, bicycles, luggage with rollers.
8. Fluid Friction
• Fluids: Gases (air) and liquids (water).
• Friction exerted by fluids is called drag.
• Factors affecting fluid friction:
– Speed of object.
– Shape of object.
– Nature of fluid.
• Streamlined shapes (like birds, fish, aeroplanes) reduce drag.
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9. Key Definitions (Keywords)
• Friction: Force opposing relative motion between surfaces.
• Static Friction: Friction when object is at rest.
• Sliding Friction: Friction when object slides.
• Rolling Friction: Friction when object rolls.
• Lubricants: Substances that reduce friction.
• Drag: Frictional force exerted by fluids.
• Ball Bearings: Devices that reduce friction by using rolling motion.
10. Important Comparisons
Concept Description
Static vs Sliding Friction Static friction is greater than sliding
friction.
Sliding vs Rolling Friction Rolling friction is less than sliding
friction.
Friction on Rough vs Smooth Rough surface → more friction.
Surface
11. Real-Life Applications & Examples
Situation Friction Type / Principle
Walking without slipping Static friction
Applying brakes Sliding friction
Ball bearings in cycles Rolling friction
Aeroplane shape Reduced fluid friction
Soles of shoes grooved Increased friction
Oil in door hinges Lubrication reduces friction
Carrom board powder Reduces friction
12. Quick Exam-Oriented Q&A
• Q: Why is sliding friction less than static friction?
A: Because once motion starts, surfaces get less time to interlock deeply.
• Q: Why do sportsmen use shoes with spikes?
A: To increase friction and prevent slipping.
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• Q: What is the direction of friction when a book slides to the
right?
A: To the left (opposes motion).
• Q: How do lubricants reduce friction?
A: They form a thin layer between surfaces, reducing direct contact and
interlocking.
• Q: Why are wheels circular?
A: To use rolling friction, which is less than sliding friction.
• Q: What is drag?
A: Frictional force exerted by fluids (air/water) on moving objects.
These notes are concise, well-structured, and cover all essential points needed
to answer both objective and descriptive questions in competitive exams. Use
them for quick and effective revision!