Question

Explain why sliding friction is less than static friction.

Answer 1

1. Sliding friction is slightly lesser than that of the static friction because it is easy to move the object which already in motion than the object which is at rest.

2. The friction between the two surfaces is because of the interlocking of the irregularities of the two surfaces. During sliding, contact points do not get enough time to get interlocked properly.

This explains why sliding friction is less than static friction.