Table of Contents

 Types of Friction
 Static Friction
 Sliding Friction
 Rolling Friction
 Fluid Friction
 FAQs

In sliding motion, each point on the body has only translational or linear motion. But in the case
of rolling motion, different points have a combination of linear and rotational motion. Look at the
following figure:

Figure displaying rolling motion

If we consider only the rotational motion, then point B tends to move backwards suppose with a
velocity VR. Similarly, we consider only linear motion then point B moves with a velocity VL in the
forward direction. Now the resultant motion of the point B will be a superposition of both the
above velocities. Depending upon the values of VR and VL the rolling friction can act in the
following directions:

If VR > VL then the point B tends to move backwards so as we know, friction opposes relative
motion between the surfaces in contact; hence it will act in the forward direction.

Similarly, if VR < VL then the point B tends to move forward and hence the friction acts in the
backward direction.

Also, if VR = VL although the ball moves in the forward direction, the frictional force acting on the
ball will be zero. This is unlike sliding friction where the friction force will definitely act if the body
is moving.
 Types Of friction

Types Of Friction
Following are the friction types which depend on the types of motion:

1. Static Friction
2. Sliding Friction
3. Rolling Friction
4. Fluid Friction

Read More: Introduction to Motion

Static Friction
Static friction is defined as the frictional force that acts between the surfaces when they are at
rest with respect to each other.

The magnitude of the static force is equal in the opposite direction when a small amount of force
is applied. When the force increases, at some point maximum static friction is reached.

Static Friction Examples

Following are the examples of static friction:

 Skiing against the snow

 Creating heat by rubbing both the hands together
 Table lamp resting on the table
Coefficient Of Static Friction
The coefficient of static friction is denoted as µs. The maximum force of static friction is given as
the product of the coefficient of static friction and normal force and force of static friction is less
than or equal to the product of the coefficient of static friction and normal force. It is given as:

Fs max = µs η and Fs ≤ µs η

Where,

 Fs is the force of static friction

 µs is the coefficient of static friction
 η is the normal force
 Fs max is the maximum force of static friction

While solving the problem given in the video, you will understand
how friction changes from static to kinetic

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Sliding Friction
What Is Sliding Friction?
Sliding friction is defined as the resistance that is created between any two objects when they
are sliding against each other.

Examples Of Sliding Friction

Following are the examples of sliding friction:

 Sliding of the block across the floor

 Two cards sliding against each other in a deck

Coefficient Of Sliding Friction

The coefficient of sliding friction is denoted as µs. The force of sliding friction is defined as the
product of the coefficient of sliding friction and the normal force. It is given as:

Fs = µs. Fn

Rolling Friction

What Is Rolling Friction?

Rolling friction is defined as the force which resists the motion of a ball or wheel and is the
weakest types of friction.

Examples Of Rolling Friction

Following are the examples of rolling friction:

 Rolling of the log on the ground

 Wheels of the moving vehicles

Coefficient Of Rolling Friction

The coefficient of rolling friction is denoted as µr. The force of rolling friction is defined as the
product of the coefficient of rolling friction and the normal force. It is given as:

Fs = µr. Fn

Fluid Friction

What Is Fluid Friction?

Fluid friction is defined as the friction that exists between the layers of the fluid when they are
moving relative to each other.
Examples Of Fluid Friction
Following are the examples of fluid friction:

 The flow of ink in pens

 Swimming

Understand the variable and self-adjusting nature of the static friction

with the help of the animation provided in the video below

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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs