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Class 8 Science: Understanding Friction

Chapter 12 of Class 8 Science discusses friction, a force opposing motion due to surface irregularities. It covers factors affecting friction, types (static, sliding, and rolling), and methods to increase or reduce friction, highlighting its dual role as both useful and harmful. The chapter also addresses fluid friction and the role of ball bearings in reducing friction in machinery.

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43 views2 pages

Class 8 Science: Understanding Friction

Chapter 12 of Class 8 Science discusses friction, a force opposing motion due to surface irregularities. It covers factors affecting friction, types (static, sliding, and rolling), and methods to increase or reduce friction, highlighting its dual role as both useful and harmful. The chapter also addresses fluid friction and the role of ball bearings in reducing friction in machinery.

Uploaded by

vihaanvi1606
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Class 8 Science – Chapter 12: Friction (Detailed Notes)

1. Introduction
Friction is the force that opposes the motion of an object. It is a contact force that always acts
opposite to motion.

2. Cause of Friction
All surfaces have microscopic irregularities. When two surfaces touch, these irregularities interlock,
causing resistance to motion.

3. Factors Affecting Friction


(a) Nature of surfaces (rough → more friction; smooth → less friction)
(b) Force pressing surfaces together (greater force → more interlocking → higher friction)

4. Types of Friction
(a) Static Friction – Acts on a stationary object.
(b) Sliding Friction – Acts when one surface slides over another.
(c) Rolling Friction – Acts when an object rolls; least among all three.
Order: Static > Sliding > Rolling.

5. Friction – A Necessary Evil


Useful: Walking, writing, stopping vehicles.
Harmful: Wear, heat, energy loss.
Hence called a “Necessary Evil”.

6. Increasing Friction
Treads on tyres, spiked shoes, rough surfaces.

7. Reducing Friction
(a) Lubricants – Oil/grease fill gaps, smoothen surfaces.
(b) Polishing – Reduces irregularities.
(c) Ball bearings – Convert sliding to rolling friction.
(d) Streamlining – Smooth, narrow body shape reduces drag.

8. Fluid Friction (Drag)


Friction by fluids (liquids/gases). Depends on speed, shape, and nature of fluid.
Streamlined shapes of fish, birds, and airplanes help reduce drag.

9. Ball Bearings
Small metal balls between moving parts reduce friction. Used in fans, cycles, car axles.

10. Friction Produces Heat


Rubbing surfaces convert kinetic energy into heat. Example: Rubbing palms.

11. Summary Table


Static > Sliding > Rolling
Useful: Helps motion control.
Harmful: Causes heat and wear.

12. Important Terms


Lubricant – Reduces friction.
Drag – Fluid friction.
Streamlined – Smooth, tapered shape to reduce resistance.

13. Practice Questions


1. What causes friction between two surfaces?
2. Why does a ball stop after rolling some distance?
3. What are lubricants? How do they help?
4. Why is rolling friction less than sliding friction?
5. Why are grooves given on tyres?
6. What is fluid friction? Mention factors affecting it.
7. Why are the bodies of fishes and birds streamlined?
8. Why do machines get hot after running for some time?
9. State advantages and disadvantages of friction.
10. Explain why friction is a necessary evil.

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