Physics Ca1 Merged
Physics Ca1 Merged
Name of Section: E
Friction Theories
It also defines the static and kinetic friction forces, and explains that kinetic friction
is usually lower than static friction.
Friction Force
It also presents a model that explains the hysteresis phenomena of the coefficient
of friction.
The nature of friction: A critical assessment
It also discusses the use of instruments like surface force apparatus, atomic force
microscope, and nanoindenters to study friction.
Friction is the force that resists the motion of one object relative to another. It's a
significant phenomenon in the physical world, affecting everything from
matches to machines to molecular structures.
Introduction to Friction
Definition: Friction is the force that resists the relative motion or tendency of
such motion of two surfaces in contact. Friction is a force that opposes the
motion of two surfaces in contact. It's always parallel to the contact surface
and acts in the opposite direction to the motion of the surfaces.
Key Points:
Friction acts opposite to the direction of motion.
It exists whenever two surfaces are in contact and move relative to each other.
It plays an important role in everyday activities like walking, driving, and even
writing.
Friction is a force that opposes the relative motion or tendency of such motion between two
surfaces in contact. It plays a crucial role in our daily lives and is essential for various natural
phenomena and mechanical operations. Without friction, activities such as walking, driving, or
holding objects would become impossible, as there would be no grip or resistance.
There are two primary types of friction:
Static Friction: This occurs when two surfaces are not moving relative to each other. It prevents
the initiation of motion. Static friction must be overcome to start moving an object.
Kinetic (or Dynamic) Friction: This occurs when two surfaces are in motion relative to each other.
Kinetic friction is usually lower than static friction and acts to slow down the moving object.
The amount of friction depends on several factors:
The nature of the surfaces: Rough surfaces generally create more friction than smooth ones.
The normal force: The force pressing the two surfaces together. Generally, the greater the
normal force, the greater the friction.
Friction is both beneficial and problematic. It is beneficial because it enables movement (like
walking) and helps in the operation of machines. However, friction also causes wear and tear on
materials and results in energy losses, especially in machines and vehicles. Therefore,
understanding and controlling friction is crucial in fields like engineering, physics, and
technology.
In practical applications, friction is managed through lubrication (e.g., oil in engines) or by using
materials designed to reduce friction.
Types of Friction
•Static Friction:
•Prevents an object from moving when a force is
applied.
•Example: A book on a table does not move unless a
force exceeds the static friction.
•Kinetic Friction (Sliding Friction):
•Occurs when two surfaces are sliding past each
other.
•Example: Sliding a box across the floor.
•Rolling Friction:
•Occurs when an object rolls over a surface.
•Example: A ball rolling on the ground.
Factors Affecting Friction
•Normal Force (Weight): The force pressing two surfaces together affects friction.
More weight = more friction.
•Wear and Tear: Friction can cause parts to wear out, such as in engines and machinery.
•Energy Loss: In some systems, friction causes energy loss in the form of heat.
•Increased Fuel Consumption: More friction in moving parts can increase fuel
consumption in vehicles.
Slowing down: Friction works against the direction of motion, slowing down moving objects.
Methods to Reduce Friction
Friction is caused when two surfaces in contact slide over each other. Factors
contributing to friction include the coefficient of friction (μ) and the normal
force. Friction always opposes the motion and acts in the direction opposite to
the applied force.