FRICTION

Laws Of Motion of Class 11

Whenever the surface of a body slides over that of another, each body exerts a force of friction on the
other, parallel to the surfaces. The force of friction on each body is in a direction opposite to its
motion relative to the other body.

The force of friction comes into action only when there is a relative motion between the two contact
surfaces or when an attempt is made to have it.

It is a self adjusting force, it can adjust its magnitude to any value between zero and the limiting
(maximum) value i.e

0 ≤ f ≤ fmax

The frictional force acting between any two surfaces at rest with respect to each other is called the
force of static friction. And the frictional force acting between surfaces in relative motion with
respect to each other is called the force of kinetic friction or sliding friction.

LAWS OF FRICTION

The limiting (or maximum) force of friction is proportional to the normal force that keeps the two
surfaces in contact with each other, and is independent of the area of contact between the two
surfaces. Mathematically,

fmax = µN(6.5)

PROPERTIES OF FRICTION

1.If the body does not move, then the static

frictional force fs and the external force F parallel
to the surface are equal in magnitude and fs is
directed opposite to F. If the external force F
increases fs increases.

2.The maximum value of static friction is given by

fs(max) = µsN (6.6)

where µs = static coefficient of friction and N is

the magnitude of the normal reaction. If the
external force F exceeds fs(max) then the body
slides on the surface.
3.If the body begins to slide along the surface, the magnitude of the frictional force rapidly decreases
to a constant value of fk given by

fk = µkN (6.7)

where µk is the coefficient of kinetic friction.

(a) (b) (c)

(e)
(d)
Fig.(6.22) (a)The friction force on a stationary block is zero.

(b)As long as the external force is less than the maximum friction force, fs = F.

(c)At the limiting case fs(max) = F, the block is about to slide.

(d) As the value of F slightly increases beyond fs(max) , the block “breaks away” accelerating
suddenly to the right.

(e) If the block is to move with a constant velocity, the applied force must be reduced, because μk <
μs.

Example: 6.12

A block of mass M = 10 kg is placed at rest on a horizontal

surface as shown in the figure. The coefficient of friction
between the block and the surface is µs = 0.3 and μk = 0.2. It
is pulled with a horizontal force F.

Find the magnitude of the friction if

(a) F = 20 N(b) F = 40 N
Solution

The maximum value of friction force is

fs(max) =µsN = µsMg

or fs(max) = (0.3) (10) (10) = 30 N

(a)To keep the block stationary the magnitude of friction

force should be
f = F = 20 N since f < fmax . Therefore the force of friction is
f =20 N

(b)fs(max) < F

so the body moves and now force of friction f = μkN =

0.2(10)(g) = 20 N
Note that in this case friction force is unable to keep the
block stationary and the block accelerates with

a= m/s2

Note that friction force is not always equal to µsN. It is the limiting or maximum value of static
friction. At any stage friction may attain any value between 0 and µsN.

0 ≤ f ≤ µsN(6.8)

Example: 6.13

A block of mass, M = 10 kg, is placed at rest on an inclined plane and is

being pulled upward with a force F parallel to the incline as shown in the
figure. The coefficient of friction between the block and the incline is µS =
0.3. Find the magnitude and direction of the friction force acting on the
block if

(a) F = 40 N(b) F = 80 N

Solution

(a)Since Mg sin 37° > F therefore, the block has a tendency to slide
downward in the absence of friction. Thus, the frictional force will act
upward on the block to oppose the relative motion between the two.

Now, to keep the block stationary, the force of friction should be

f = Mg sin37° − F

orf = 60 − 40 = 20 N
The maximum value of friction is

fmax = µsN = µsMg cos 37°

orfmax = (0.3) (10) (10) (4/5) = 24 N

Since f < fmax, therefore, the frictional force acting on the block is

f = 20 N (upward)
(b)Since Mgsin37° < F, therefore the block has a tendency to slide upward in the absence of friction
The frictional force acts downward on block.

Now, to keep the block stationary the force of friction should be

f = F − Mg sin 37°

orf = 80 − 60 = 20 N

Since f < fmax therefore the force of friction acting on the block is f = 20 N (downward)

Example: 6.14

For the system shown in the figure, the coefficient of

static and kinetic friction between the block m2 and the
horizontal surface is µs and µk.

If m2 = 10 kg, µs= 0.4 and µk = 0.35

(a)find the maximum value of m1 so that the block m2

does not move.

(b)And also, if m1 = 5 kg, find the acceleration of the

system.
Solution
(a)The force which accelerates the system is m1g, while the
opposing force is fs. For maximum value of m1 under
equilibrium condition.

(m1g)max = fs(max) =µsm2g

orm1(max) = µsm2

hereµs = 0.4, m2 = 10 kg

Thus, m1(max) = (0.4) (10) = 4 kg

(b)When m1 = 5 kg, the system starts accelerating; m1 accelerates downward and m2 accelerates
rightward. Let a be the acceleration of the system. m2 is moving so fk will act

m1g – T = m1a

T - μkm2g = m2a ora =

Putting m1 = 5kg; m2 = 10 kg; µk = 0.35; g = 10 m/s2

We get, a = [5 - (0.35)(10)/5 + 10] x (10)= 1 m/s2

ANGLE OF FRICTION
Laws Of Motion of Class 11

ANGLE OF FRICTION

Suppose a body is placed on an inclined

surface whose angle of inclination θ varies
between 0 to π/2. The coefficient of friction
between the body and the surface is µs. Let
the initial value of θ be zero and if we slowly
start increasing the value of θ, then at a
particular value of θ = φ the block just starts
to move. This value of θ =φ is called the angle
of friction.

Mathematically, if the block is just about to

move, thenmg sin θ = f

Whenθ = φ, mg sin φ =fmax

ormg sin φ = µsN = µsmg cos φ ortanφ = µs

Thusφ = tan−1µs
The angle of friction is that minimum angle of inclination of the inclined plane at which a body
placed at rest on the inclined plane is about to slide down.

When θ ≤ φ (or tan1µs) the body is in equilibrium.

When the angle of inclination is more than the angle of friction (θ > φ) the block starts sliding down
with acceleration. And, if we wish to keep it in equilibrium an external force has to be applied.
Example : 6.15

A block of mass m is placed at rest on an inclined

plane whose angle with the horizontal is more than
the angle of friction (θ > φ). An external force
parallel to the inclined plane is applied in the
upward direction to keep it in equilibrium. Find the
magnitude of the force F.
Solution

Since the block has a tendency to move downward,

the force of friction acts upward on the block as
shown in its free body diagram.
Fig. (6.27 b)

Applying equation of equilibrium,

N = mg cos θ

F + fmax = mg sin θ

orF = mg sin θ − fmax

= mg sin θ − µsmg cos θ

orF = mg (sin θ − µs cos θ)

Note that this is the minimum magnitude of force required to keep it in equilibrium. If we apply a
force slightly more than this the block does not start moving up but the magnitude of the friction
force gets reduced. It becomes equal to zero when the external force attain a value equal to F = mg
sin θ, as shown in Fig. (6.27c).

If the magnitude of F is further increased then the

block has a tendency to move upward; the
direction of friction force gets reversed. The
block will not start moving up unless the external
force attains the maximum value.

The free body diagram of the body is shown in

Fig. (6.27 d)

Applying the equations of equilibrium

N = mg cos θ

Fmax = mg sin θ + fmax

orFmax = mg (sin θ + µs cos θ)

Conclusion

The block remains stationary if

Fmin ≤ F ≤ F max
or mg(sin θ −µs cos θ) ≤ F ≤ mg(sin θ + µs cos θ)
Example: 6.16

A block is placed at rest on a horizontal

surface. The coefficient of friction between the
block and the surface is µs. It is pulled with a
force F at an angle θ with the horizontal as
shown in the figure. Find the value of θ at
which minimum force is required to move the
block.

Solution

The free body diagram of the block is shown

in the figure.

Applying Newton’s Second Law

N + F sin θ = mg(i)

F cos θ = fmax = µsN(ii)

orF cos θ = µs(mg − Fsin θ)

orF(cos θ + µssin θ) = µsmg(iii)

For minimum value of F,

dF/dθ = 0

Thus, differentiating equation (iii) w.r.t. θ, by applying chain rule, we get

=0

dF/dθ (cos θ + µssin θ) + F (−sin θ + µscos θ) = 0

Since dF/dθ =0, therefore (−sin θ + µscos θ )= 0

ortan θ = µs

⇒ θ = tan−1 µs

Note that minimum force is required to move the block at the angle of friction.

Example: 6.17
A small block of mass 2 kg is placed at rest on
a large block of mass 3 kg. The coefficient of
friction between the two blocks is µs = 0.3 and
μk = 0.2. The horizontal surface is smooth. A
horizontal force F is applied on the lower
block. Find the acceleration of each block
when

(a) F = 10 N(b) F = 20 N

Solution

(a)Let us consider both the blocks move

together. Then they by observing the free body
diagram, we have

a= m/s2

Now, we have to check whether the two

blocks really move together or not. For this we
find the force of friction between the two
blocks and if it is found to be less than or
equal to fmax then the blocks move together.

From the free body diagram of the 2 kg block

f = ma =(2) (2) = 4 N

Since fs(max) = µsN = (0.3) (20) = 6 N

and f < fs(max)

Thus, the blocks move together with an

acceleration a = 2 m/s2
 (b)Assuming the blocks move together

a= m/s2

From the free body diagram of the 2 kg block,

we get

f = ma = (2) (4) = 8 N > fmax

The blocks do not move together but moves

relative to each other so kinetic friction starts
acting.

fk =μkN = 0.2(2)g = 4 N

Applying Newton’s Second Law,

Block m = 2kg;fk = 2a1

or a1 = m/s2

Block m = 3kg; F−fk = 3a2

or a2 = 20 - 4/3 = 16/3 m/s2

 The value of angle of friction and that of angle of repose are same and the tangents of both of
them is equal to the co-efficient of friction.
 When a body slides down an inclined plane, whose angle of inclination with the horizontal is
equal to angle of repose, it moves with uniform velocity.
 Sliding friction and rolling friction are independent of velocity.
 Fluid friction depends upon velocity. It increases with an increase in velocity.
 Force of limiting friction does not depend upon the size and shape of surface in contact.
 Coefficient of kinetic friction is less than coefficient of static friction i.e.,µ k ?µ s
Whenever the surface of a body slides over another, each body experiences a contact force
which always opposes the relative motion between the surfaces. This contact force is
called frictional force . Intermolecular interaction arising due to elastic properties of matter is
the cause of frictional force.This force acts tangentially to the interface of two bodies.
Cause of Friction
Old view :-
Earlier it was thought that roughness of the two surfaces causes friction in the figure because it
can be easily seen that smoother the surfaces, lesser is the friction. Interlocking of irregularities
of the two surfaces causes hindrance to sliding. This, however, is not the current view.
Current view :-
The current view is a slight deviation from the old view. Earlier we thought that interlocking of
irregularities of surfaces was causing friction. Now, it is though that due to irregularities, the
common surface area which is in actual contact of the two surfaces, is much less than the total
overall area in contact. In one experiment, it came out to be 1/10,000 th of the apparent area.
Thus, while the total interactive (action and reaction) forces between the two surfaces remain
the same, the pressures at the points of contact are extremely high and cause the humps to
flatten out (undergoing plastic deformation) until the increased area of contact enables the
upper solid to be supported. It is thought that at the points of contact, small, cold-welded joints
are formed by the strong adhesive forces between molecules which are very close together.
These have to be broken away before one surface can move over the other. Thus the force of
friction is found to depend upon the following factors.

(i) The nature of two surfaces with the surfaces are being pressed together.
(ii) Normal force with the surfaces are being pressed together.
(iii) Actual area of contact

Types of Friction
There are four types of friction.
(a) Static Friction (b) Kinetic Friction (c) Rolling Friction (d) Fluid Friction
(a)Static friction :-

Static friction is the force of friction between two surfaces so long as there is no relative
motion between them. It is always equal to the applied force. The static frictional forces are
incorporated in the following inequality.

The magnitude of static friction fs (static frictional force) has a maximum value fs,max that is
given by,
fs,max = µsN
Here µs is the coefficient of kinetic friction and N is the normal force.
So, coefficient of static friction, µs= fs,max /N
Static friction is always equal to the apllied force. It will be observe that value of static friction
increases to certain maximum value, beyond which if the applied force is increased body starts
moving. This maximum value of force of friction is called limiting friction.
Limiting friction is the maximum value of force of friction between two surfaces so long as
there is no relative motion between them.
(b) Kinetic friction :-
Kinetic friction is the force of friction which comes into play between two surfaces when there
is some relative motion between them. The magnitude of force of kinetic friction fk (kinetic
frictional force) is proportional to the normal force N.

So,

Here µk is the coefficient of kinetic friction.

Thus, coefficient of kinetic friction, µk = fk/N
Laws of limiting friction :-
(a) The direction of force of friction is always opposite to the direction of motion.
(b) The force of limiting friction depends upon the nature and state of polish of the surfaces in
contact and acts tangentially to the interface between the two surfaces.
(c) The magnitude of limiting friction ‘F’ is directly proportional to the magnitude of the
normal reaction R between the two surfaces in contact, i.e.,
F∝R
(d) The magnitude of the limiting friction between two surfaces is independent of the area and
shape of the surfaces in contact so long as the normal reaction remains the same.
(c) Rolling friction :-
Force of friction which comes into play, between two surfaces, while one is rolling over the
other is called rolling friction. Rolling friction is similar to kinetic friction.
So,

Here µr is the coefficient of rolling friction and N is the normal force.

(d) Fluid friction :-
Fluid friction is the opposing force which comes into play when a body moves through a fluid.

Cause and Direction of Rolling Friction

A wheel of radius R rolling without sliding on a flat surface will experience a resistance due to
the very small local deformation that takes place, which is sometimes elastic sometimes
inelastic, i.e., a kind of ridge is formed in front of the wheel as shown exaggerated in the
figure. This gives rise to the force F R, whose line of action passes through the center C of the
wheel and P the horizontal force necessary to force the wheel to topple over the point M, the
total clockwise torque acting on the wheel about M must be more than or marginally more than
the total anticlockwise torque about M.
F = Frictional force
Therefore,
P × R cos θ > mg × R sin θ
P > mg tan θ
The value of "tan θ" is called the coefficient of rolling friction (μ g). This value does not depend
upon R. If the two surfaces are absolutely rigid, then no ridge will be formed and q will be zero
i.e., coefficient of rolling friction will be zero.
Typical values are μ R = 0.006 for steel and 0.02 - 0.04 for rubber tiers on concrete surfaces.
Rolling friction is very small compared to the sliding friction. In case of pure rolling μ R = 0.

 The value of angle of friction and that of angle of repose are same and the
tangents of both of them is equal to the co-efficient of friction.
 When a body slides down an inclined plane, whose angle of inclination with the
horizontal is equal to angle of repose, it moves with uniform velocity.
 Sliding friction and rolling friction are independent of velocity.
 Fluid friction depends upon velocity. It increases with an increase in velocity.
 Force of limiting friction does not depend upon the size and shape of surface in
contact.
 Coefficient of kinetic friction is less than coefficient of static friction i.e.,µ k ?µs

Co-Efficient of Friction
According to the law of limiting friction,
F∝ R
Or F = μR ............ (1)
where μ is a constant of proportionality and is called the coefficient of limiting friction between
the two surfaces in contact.
From (1),

Hence coefficient of limiting friction between any two surfaces in contact is defined as the ratio
of the force of limiting friction and normal reaction between them. The value of μ depends on
(i) nature of the surfaces in contact i.e., whether dry or wet; rough or smooth; polished or not
polished.
(ii) material of the surfaces in contact.
For example, when two polished metal surfaces are in contact, μ ≈ 0.2, when these surfaces are
lubricated, μ ≈ 0.1. Between two smooth wooden surfaces, μ varies between 0.2 and 0.5.
Obviously, μ has no units.
When a body is actually moving over the surface of another body, we place F by F x, the kinetic
friction, and μ and μ k.
Therefore,

μk is then called the coefficient of kinetic or dynamic friction. As F k < F, therefore, μ k is

always less than μ i.e. coefficient of kinetic or dynamic friction is always less than the
coefficient of limiting friction.
Table gives the values of coefficient of limiting/kinetic friction between some pairs of
materials:
S.No. Surface in contact Coefficient of Coefficient of kinetic
limiting friction friction
1. Wood on wood 0.70 0.40
2. Wood on leather 0.50 0.40
3. Steel on Steel (mild) 0.74 0.57
4. Steel on Steel (hard) 0.78 0.42
5. Steel on Steel (greased) 0.10 0.05

Angle of Friction

The angle made by the resultant reaction force with the vertical (normal reaction) is known as
the angle of the friction.
Now, in the triangle OAB,
AB/OB = cotθ
So, OB = AB/ cotθ
= AB tanθ
Or, tanθ = OB/AB
=f/N
So, tanθ = f / N = µs

Angle of Repose
It is the angle which an inclined plane makes with the horizontal so that a body placed over it
just begins to slide of its own accord.

Consider a body of mass m resting on an inclined plane of

inclination θ . The forces acting on the body are shown – Ff being the force of friction. If
friction is large enough, the body will not slide down.
Along x: mg sin θ – f = 0
Along y: N –mg cosθ = 0
i.e. N = mg cos θ and f = mg sin θ
Thus, f ≤ µsN gives,
mg sin θ ≤ µs mg cosθ
So, tan θ ≤ µs. This signifies, the coefficient of static friction between the two surfaces, in order
that the body doesn’t slide down.
When θ is increased, then tan θ > µ . Thus sliding begins, and the angle θr = tan -1µ. This angle
is known as the angle of repose.
To know about friction, please refer this video:-

Methods of Reducing Friction

Friction can be reduced if we try to remove the cause of friction.
(a) By rubbing and polishing
(b) By lubricants
(c) By converting sliding into rolling friction
(d) By streamlining
Problem :-
A horizontal bar is used to support a 75-kg object between two walls, as shown in the below
figure. The equal forces F exerted by the bar against the walls can be varied by adjusting the
length of the bar. Only friction between the ends of the bar and the walls supports the system.
The coefficient of static friction between bar and walls is 0.41. Find the minimum value of the
forces F for the system to remain at rest.

Concept:-
The diagram below shows the forces involved in the system:
The magnitude of frictional force between the walls and the bar is,
f = µsN
Here µs is the coefficient of static friction between the walls and the bar , and N is the normal
force exerted by the wall on the bar.
If the bar is at rest, the horizontal equilibrium is maintained and the sum of the horizontal
forces on the bar must be zero, that is

F–N=0
F=N
Substitute F = N in equation f = µsN ,
f = µsN
=µs F
To account for the vertical equilibrium of the block, the sum of the vertical forces must be zero,

f+f–W=0
f+f=W
2f = W
It is important to note that the term on the left hand side of the above equation account for the
fact that the frictional force exist at both the ends of the bar and acts in a direction opposite to
the direction of weight.
The weight of the block is calculated by multiplying the mass of the block with acceleration
due to gravity,
W = mg
Substitute W = mg and f = µsF in equation 2f = W,
2f = W
2(µsF) = W
F = mg/2µ s
This equation can be used to calculate the magnitude of force exerted by the bar on the wall
that will balance the system.
Solution:-
To calculate the magnitude of force F, substitute 75 kg for m , 9.81 m/s 2 for g and 0.41 for µs in
equation F = mg/2µ s ,
F = mg/2µ s
= (75 kg) (9.81 m/s 2)/2(0.41)
= (897.2 kg.m/s 2) (1 N/1 kg.m/s 2)
= 897.2 N
Round off to two significant figures,
F= 897.2 N
Therefore, the magnitude of the force exerted by the bar on the wall, to balance the system is
897.2 N.

Question 1 :-
If a surface is smoothened, how will it affect the angle of friction:
(a) it will decrease (b) it will increase
(c) proportional to each other (d) none
Question 2 :-
Angle of friction and angle of repose are:
(a) equal to each other (b) not equal to each other
(c) proportional to each other (d) none
Question 3 :-
Which is a suitable method to decrease friction:
(a) ball and roller bearing (b) lubrication
(c) polishing (d) all of the above
Question 4 :-
Friction can be:
(a) completely avoided (b) minimized
(c) cannot be minimized (d) of conservative nature
Question 5 :-
If the normal reaction is doubled, what happens to the co-efficient of friction between the two
surfaces:
(a) it is doubled (b) it is halved
(c) it remains unchanged (d) none of the above

Q.1 Q.2 Q.3 Q.4 Q.5

a a d b c