Question

Look at the given figure and answer the following questions:
List one thing the boy can do to decrease friction and make it easier to push the box.

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 to reduce the friction we need to smoothen these irregularities on the surface of the box and floor.
5. This can be achieved by the application of lubricant (powder, oil, etc).
6. Friction can also be reduced if we apply wheels on the box as rolling reduce the amount of friction.