friction
1. INTRODUCTION: The force which opposes the motion of one object over another
object in contact with it is termed as frictional force. There are three types of frictions:
a) Static friction.
b) Sliding Friction.
c) Rolling Friction.
2. HOW IS FRICTION CAUSED? Friction is caused by interlocking of irregularities in the
surfaces of two objects which are in contact with each other. There are three important
definitions related to friction.
a) Static friction: The force of friction which does not allow two bodies to slide upon on
another is called static friction.
b) Limiting Friction: It is maximum static force of friction comes into play, when one just
slides upon another body is called limiting friction.
c) Dynamic or Sliding Friction: It is force of friction acting between two bodies when
they are sliding upon one another with a uniform speed.
3. LAWS OF LIMITING FRICTION: Following are the important laws of limiting friction:
a) Limiting friction always opposes the motion of a body and acts in the direction opposite
to the of the applied force.
b) It depends upon the nature of surfaces in contact with each other.
c) Limiting friction increases with increase in the weight of the body and vice versa.
d) Limiting friction is independent of area of contact between two surfaces; provided the
weight of the body and nature of the surface does not change.
4. ROLLING FRICTION: The frictional force experienced by a body when it is made to
move over bodies like a roller or wheels is called as rolling friction.
Test yourself
1. State one way of increasing friction between two surfaces?
Ans: Friction can be increased between the two surfaces by making them rough.
2. Name four ways in which friction can be reduced between two surfaces?
Ans: Friction can be reduced by using the following methods:
1. Polishing the surface
2. Using a lubricant
3. Using a ball-bearing
4. Using telcum powder
5. Using soap solution
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3. State two advantages of Friction?
Ans: Friction enables us to walk without slipping.
It helps a car to move on road without skidding.
Nearby car dealerships
It helps us to write on paper.
4. State two disadvantages of Friction?
Ans: The two disadvantages of friction are:-
1. It causes loss of energy in form of heat
2. It causes wear and tear of machines.
5. Why is friction called a necessary evil?
Ans: Since friction is very useful to us as It helps us to walk and drive car.
It is harmful in some cases eg It causes loss of energy, therefore, friction is called a
necessary evil.
6. What is lubricant? What kind of lubricant can be used in a. Sewing machine b. Axil
of tractor?
Ans: Lubricant is substance used to reduce friction between two surfaces. eg Oil, Grease
In sewing machine oil is used where as in Axil of tractor, Grease is used.
7. Name two solid lubricants and state where they are used?
Ans: The two solid lubricants are:
1. Graphite: It is used in industries
2. Boric acid: It is used on carrom boards
8. What do you understand by term streamlining? Name a machine that uses
streamline to reduce friction.
Ans: Streamlining means designing the body in such a way that it minimizes the force of
friction.
Many machines are streamlined to reduce friction e.g Cars, Aeroplanes, Ships, Rockets,
Drones etc
9. Why is friction called a pervasive force?
Ans: Friction is pervasive force.
Where as we cant write, walk or Run without friction. But friction causes wear and tear of
materials, wastage of energy in form of heat.
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Answer the following Questions.
i. Why are wornout tyres discarded?
Ans: Worn out tyres are discarded because they do not provide any friction. This can lead
automobiles to skid off the road.
ii. Why do carrom coins move faster when dusted with telcum powder?
Ans: Telcum powder reduces the friction between Coins and board. Therefore carrom coins
move faster.
iii. Why is surface of conveyor belt made rough?
Ans: The surface of conveyor belt is made rough to increase the friction between the belt and
the materials upon it, So that the materials do not slip or fall down from the belt.
iv. Why is sewing machine often oiled?
Ans: The oil stops friction between the parts of machine. The friction can damage the parts
of machine.
v. Why do new automobile tyres have deep groves?
Ans: Automobile tyres have deep grooves so that the tyres can have grip over the road. Due
to these grooves the automobiles do not skid of the road.
vi. Why do a ball rolling on ground stop?
Ans: The ball rolling on the ground has two forces acting on it. The frictional force opposite to
direction of motion and Gravitational force downwards. There forces make a ball to stop.
vii. Why are airplanes and boats given special shape?
Ans: The airplanes and boats have streamlined shapes. This helps them to reduce the
friction due to air and water.
viii. Why do meteors burn on entering atmosphere?
Ans: When a meteor enters our atmosphere, Friction is caused between air and meteor. As
meteors are not streamlined, Friction produces heat which burns the meteor.
ix. Why do painters use sand paper to polish doors?
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Ans: The painters use sand paper to polish the doors to make the surfaces smooth. This
makes the doors to shine.
x. Why is it easier to tie a knot on cotton string than silk?
Ans: The silk is very smooth as compared to the cotton fibre. In silk the amount of friction
produced in knot will be very less than the cotton.
Fill in the blanks.
(Answers only)
I. Opposite II. Static III. Movement
Iv. Sliding V. Streamlined
Statements given below are wrong. Write the correct statements.
I. Sliding friction is slightly more than limiting friction
Ans: Slidinh friction is slightly less than limiting friction.
ii. The conveyor belt is made rough in order to decrease friction
Ans: The conveyor belt is made rough in order to decrease friction.
iii. The friction between two surfaces decreases with increase in weight of body.
Ans: The friction between two surfaces increases with increase in weight of body.
iv. The friction offered by wheels is called sliding friction
Ans: The friction offered by wheels is called rolling friction
v. The friction increases with increase in area of contact
Ans: The friction does not change with change in area of contact between two surfaces.
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