CHAPTER 12 - FRICTION

Points to learn
● The force of friction always opposes the relative motion between the two
surfaces in contact.
● Friction depends on nature of the surface and mass of objects in contact,
● Smooth surface offer least friction whereas rough surface produce maximum
friction.
● Also friction depends on how hard the two surfaces press together.
● Static friction comes into play when we try to move an object at rest.
● Sliding friction comes into play when an object is sliding over another.
● When one body rolls over another body, rolling friction comes into play.
● Sliding friction is smaller than static friction.
● Rolling friction is smaller than static and sliding friction.
● Static friction > Sliding friction > Rolling friction
● Friction can be increased by making a surface rough.
● The soles of shoes and the tyres of vehicles are treaded to increase friction.
● Friction can be reduced by using lubricants.
● In machines, friction is reduced by using ball bearings.
● To reduce fluid friction objects can given a special shape called streamlined
shape.
● Friction generates heat, which causes wear and tear in machines.
Answer the following:-
1. You spill a bucket of soapy water on a marble floor accidentally. Would it make
it easier or more difficult for you to walk on the floor? Why?

The force of friction decreases between the ground and the feet when there is
soapy water spilt on the floor. Hence, it becomes difficult to walk on the soapy
floor.

2. Why do sportsmen use shoes with spikes?

Sportsmen use shoes with spikes because of the better grip given by spikes while
running. This is because force of friction between the shoes and the ground
increases with the help of spikes.
3. Iqbal has to push a lighter box and Seema has to push a similar heavier box on
the same floor. Who will have to apply a larger force and why?

Seema has to apply a larger force. When a heavy object is placed on the floor, the
interlocking of irregularities on the surface of the box and the floor become strong.
This is because the two surfaces in contact are pressed harder. Hence more force
is required to overcome the interlocking.

4. Why sliding friction is lesser than the static friction?

When the object starts sliding, the contact points on its surface do not get enough
time to lock into the contact points on the floor. So the sliding friction is lesser
than the static friction.
5. Give examples to show that friction is both a friend and a foe.

Advantages of friction

a) Due to friction, we are able to walk.

b) We are able to write because of the friction between the tip of the pen and
paper.

c) We can able to fix a nail on the wall.

Disadvantages of friction

a) Because of friction, the soles of shoes wear out.

b) Friction produces heat between different parts of the machines. This can
damage the machines.

c) It causes wastage of energy in machines by producing heat when it gets

operated.

6. Why must an object moving in a fluid have special shapes?

Their bodies must have evolved to shapes which would make them not to lose
extra energy in overcoming friction. Such shapes are called streamlined. By giving
objects this shape, the force of friction acting on it can be minimized.
7. State few ways of (i) reducing friction and (ii) increasing friction:-
Reducing friction:- a) By polishing a rough surface smoothens it and reduces
friction.
b)In machines, using lubricants like oil, grease, graphite powder reduces friction.
c) Streamlining of vehicles like aircrafts and cars reduces friction by lowering their
air resistance.
d)By using wheels and ball bearings in machines friction is reduced .They works
with the principle of rolling friction less than sliding friction.

Increasing friction:- a) Tyres are treaded to provide better grip with the ground.
b) Spikes are provided in the soles of the shoes.
c) Using brake pads in the brake system of bicycles.
d) Kabaddi players rub their hands with soil for a better grip.