Question

Explain why the sliding friction is less than the static friction.

Answer 1

Friction:

1. It is defined as that force that prevents the relative motion between any two objects.
2. Generally, it depends upon the interlocking between two surfaces or objects. Sliding friction interlocking time is very less compared to static friction interlocking time.
3. Interlocking between two surfaces is directly proportional to the surface area of contact and time spent during interlocking between any two surfaces or bodies.
4. Generally, we have two types of friction given below:

Sliding friction is defined as that type of friction, in which resistance is created between any two objects when they are sliding against each other.

Static friction is defined as that type of friction that acts between surfaces of two objects when they are at rest with respect to each other.

Explanation:

1. For a given two surfaces, sliding friction is slightly lesser than that of static friction
2. Because it is easier to move the object that is already in motion than the object at rest.
3. In other words, if we want to push a car at rest, we need more force than to push a car that is already in motion.

Hence static friction is greater than sliding friction.