Question

Look at the given figure and answer the following questions:

If the boy is pushing the box from right to left, the force of friction will act from ...............….

Answer 1

1. The frictional force is a contact force that acts between two surfaces in contact.
2. On a microscopic level, even a smooth-looking surface has irregularities.
3. When an object is placed over another object these irregularities get interlocked and oppose the motion.
4. Therefore frictional force always acts opposite to the direction of motion or opposite to the direction of applied force.

Hence, if the boy is pushing the box from right to left, the force of friction will act from left to right.