Question

What are the factors that affect friction? Explain in detail.

Answer 1

Friction

Friction is defined as the resistance offered by the surfaces that are in contact when they move past each other.

1. On the nature of the two surfaces that are in contact.

1. Friction is dependent on the smoothness or roughness of the two surfaces that are in contact with each other.
2. When the surface is smooth, the friction between the two reduces and there is not much interlocking of irregularities.
3. While the surface is rough, friction increases.

Example:

1. Take a sheet of paper, a handkerchief, a hand towel, a rectangular piece of glass and wood as surfaces and a pencil.
2. Now roll the pencil on each surface.
3. Number the surfaces in the order in which the pencil rolled easily on them.
4. Now we can observe that the pencil rolls most easily on the smoothest surface.

2. On the force that is acting on these surfaces.

• Friction increases when the force is applied along with the irregularities.

Example:

1. Place a book on a table.
2. Gently push it.
3. We can see that it stops after moving for some distance.
4. Because friction opposes relative motion between the surfaces of the book and the table.
5. Now place a weight on the book.
6. Push the book.
7. We can see that it moves a lesser distance than before.
8. So that is, friction depends on the force with which both the surfaces are pressed together.