Question

Arrange the following in descending order of magnitude: (i) static friction (ii) sliding friction (iii) rolling friction.

Answer 1

1. Friction is defined as the force that opposes the relative motion or tendency of relative motion between two contacting surfaces.
2. Static friction is defined as the frictional force that acts between the surfaces when they are at rest with respect to each other.
3. Sliding friction is defined as the resistance that is created between any two objects when they are sliding against each other.
4. Rolling friction is defined as the force which resists the rolling motion between two contacting surfaces.
5. Sliding friction is less than static friction since it is easier to move a body over another surface if it already moving.
6. And rolling friction is minimum since it has point contact, implying less interlocking of the irregularities.

Hence, the order of their magnitude:
Static friction > Sliding Friction > Rolling friction.