FRICTION
• Friction is a type of contact force.
• When friction occurs, two bodies remain in contact, so friction is a contact force.
• Overall, we can say that friction is a force that comes into play when two surfaces come in
contact with each other.
• The force of friction always opposes the motion of an object and reduces its velocity.
• Frictional force always acts from the opposite side of an object’s motion.
Examples:
• A ball rolling on the floor gradually slows down.
• When we stop pedalling a bicycle, it gradually slows down.
• Dragging a chair on the floor.
Factors Affecting Friction:
Friction mainly depends on two factors—
• The nature of the surfaces—rough surface or smooth surface.
• If the surface is smooth, the force of friction will be less, and if the surface is rough, the force
of friction will be more.
• Friction also depends on how hard the surfaces press together.
Causes of Friction:
Friction happens when two rough surfaces come in contact, and due to their irregularities,
the frictional force starts to act at the opposite side of the motion.
Types of Friction:
Friction can be divided into three types.
1. Static friction:
• It is the type of frictional force that is exerted on an object which is at rest.
• Static frictional force comes into play until an object starts moving.
• A resting object starts moving after overcoming the static friction.
Examples: Pushing any resting object can cause static friction like walking, rock climbing,
rubbing hands, etc.
2. Sliding Friction:
• Sliding friction comes into play when the surface of an object slides over the surface of
another object.
• Sliding friction opposes the sliding movement of another object.
Examples: Sliding on a sledge, playing on a slide, dragging anything from right to left on the
floor.
3. Rolling Friction:
• Such friction exerts when an object rolls over on a surface.
Examples: Movement of a wheel, the friction between a paint roller and the wall.