PHYSICS – Forces 2(Friction)

LEARNING
OBJECTIVES
1.5.1 Balanced and unbalanced forces
Core Supplement

• Describe friction as a force that may • Explain the factors that affect
impede motion and produce heating. thinking and braking distance including
• Understand the motion of objects speed, tiredness, alcohol, drugs, load,
acted on by a constant weight or driving tyre surface and road conditions.
force, with and without drag
(including air resistance or resistance in
a liquid).
• Understand the motion of objects
acted on by a constant weight or driving
force, with and without drag
(including air resistance or resistance in
a liquid)
• Understand the motion of objects
acted on by a constant weight or driving
force, with and without drag
(including air resistance or resistance in
a liquid)
Friction and Stopping Forces
 Friction and Stopping Forces

Although it is sometimes unwanted, friction can really help us – for example in

car braking systems, and giving shoes grip on the ground.
 Friction and Stopping Forces

Although it is sometimes unwanted, friction can really help us – for example in

car braking systems, and giving shoes grip on the ground.

As the block is gently pulled, friction stops it

moving – increase the force and the block will
start to slip = starting or static friction.
 Friction and Stopping Forces

Although it is sometimes unwanted, friction can really help us – for example in

car braking systems, and giving shoes grip on the ground.

When the block starts to move, the friction

drops. Moving or dynamic friction is less
than static friction. This friction HEATS
materials up.
 Motion of objects acted on by a constant weight or
driving force

When objects are subject to a constant weight or driving force,

their motion can be influenced by the presence or absence of drag,
which includes factors like air resistance or resistance in a liquid.
 Motion with Drag (Air Resistance or Resistance in a
Liquid)

When an object moves through a medium like air or liquid, it

experiences a resistance force called drag. Drag opposes the
motion of the object and is influenced by factors such as the
object's speed, size, shape, and the properties of the medium.

• Constant Weight: If an object is subject to a constant weight force

(such as gravity), while also experiencing drag, its motion will be
affected. The object will initially accelerate under the influence of the
driving force (e.g., an applied force or gravity), but as the object's
speed increases, the drag force also increases. Eventually, the drag
force becomes equal to the driving force, resulting in a state of
dynamic equilibrium where the object moves at a constant speed,
known as terminal velocity.
 Motion with Drag (Air Resistance or Resistance in a
Liquid)

• Constant Weight: If an object is subject to a constant weight force

(such as gravity), while also experiencing drag, its motion will be
affected. The object will initially accelerate under the influence of the
driving force (e.g., an applied force or gravity), but as the object's
speed increases, the drag force also increases. Eventually, the drag
force becomes equal to the driving force, resulting in a state of
dynamic equilibrium where the object moves at a constant speed,
known as terminal velocity.
 Motion with Drag (Air Resistance or Resistance in a
Liquid)

• Constant Driving Force: Similarly, if an object is subject to a constant

driving force (e.g., a propulsion system) while experiencing drag, its
motion will also be influenced. Initially, the object will accelerate due
to the driving force. However, as the object's speed increases, the drag
force opposing its motion also increases. Eventually, the drag force
balances out the driving force, leading to a new equilibrium state
where the object moves at a constant speed.
 Motion without Drag

In cases where there is no significant drag or resistance, the

motion of objects acted upon by a constant weight or driving
force is relatively straightforward.

• Constant Weight: If an object is subject to a constant weight

force without any significant drag, it will undergo free fall or
descend at a constant acceleration due to gravity. This
acceleration is typically 9.8 m/s² on Earth and causes the
object's speed to increase over time.
• Constant Driving Force: If an object experiences a constant
driving force without significant drag, its motion will depend
on the specific nature of the force. For example, if a constant
propulsion force is applied to an object in the absence of drag,
the object will continue to accelerate indefinitely.
 Stopping distance
The distance needed for a car, travelling at a
given speed, to stop (m).

Stopping distance = Thinking distance + Braking

Distance
 Thinking Distance
Before we react to a danger our brain takes
time to think. The distance travelled during
this time is the Thinking Distance (m)

Mmh, a level 0.6 s

crossing! I should
stop now!
 Braking Distance
Cars don’t stop straight away. They travel a
certain distance from when you start braking
to when they stop. This is the Braking
Distance.

Just in time!
 Braking Distance
Cars don’t stop straight away. They travel a
certain distance from when you start braking
to when they stop. This is the Braking
Distance.

Just in time!
Factors that affect thinking and braking distance
include:
1. Speed: Higher speeds result in longer thinking and braking
distances. It takes time for the brain to perceive a hazard and
for the driver to react, so the faster the vehicle is moving, the
longer it takes to respond and stop.
2. Tiredness: Fatigue and drowsiness impair cognitive function,
including reaction time and decision-making. Tired drivers
have longer thinking and braking distances as their ability to
perceive and respond to hazards is compromised.

3. Alcohol and drugs: Consumption of alcohol and drugs impairs

judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Impaired drivers
have longer thinking and braking distances as their ability to
process information and respond to hazards is diminished.
Factors that affect thinking and braking distance
include:
4. Load: The weight and distribution of the load carried by a
vehicle affect braking distance. Heavier loads require more
force to stop, resulting in longer braking distances.
5. Tyre surface: The condition and quality of the vehicle's tires
impact braking distance. Worn-out or underinflated tires
reduce grip and traction, leading to longer braking distances.
6. Road conditions: The state of the road surface, such as wet,
icy, or uneven roads, affects braking distance. Poor road
conditions decrease traction and increase braking distances.
7. Braking system and vehicle condition: The performance of the
vehicle's braking system, including brake pads, rotors, and
hydraulic systems, influences braking distance. Poorly
maintained brakes or faulty systems can result in longer
braking distances.