Question

You spill a bucket of soapy water on a marble floor accidentally. Would it make it easier or more difficult for you to walk on the floor? Why?
[3 marks]
[APSCERT]
[Lubrication]

Answer 1

Solution:
It is possible to walk on the floor because of the friction present between our feet and the ground. For walking, we push the ground in a backward direction with our feet. The force of friction, in turn, pushes us in the forward direction.
[1 mark]

The force of friction decreases between the ground and the feet when there is soapy water present on the floor as the soapy water acts like a lubricant. This does not cause a proper grip with the ground and hence it becomes difficult to walk on a marble floor with soapy water on it.
[2 marks]