Revision Notes
Class – 8 Science
Chapter 12 – Friction
● Friction: The force that opposes the relative motion between two surfaces of
objects when they come in contact. Frictional force always acts in a direction
opposite to the direction of applied force.
● What are the causes of Friction?
Frictional force comes into play between two surfaces due to irregularities
on the surfaces of the objects comes in contact, causing interlocking of
micro-level irregularities between the two surfaces and ploughing of harder
surfaces into smoother surfaces.
● Factors affecting friction:-
1. The roughness of the surface present.
2. The extent by which the two surfaces can be pressed together.
3. Nature of the surfaces coming in contact.
● Types of Friction:
(i) Static Friction: When a body is at rest, the force of friction acting on it is
known as static friction. This force is always equal and opposite to the
applied force on the object. The force which is acting, when the body is just
at the point of sliding on the surface is known as limiting friction.
(ii) Sliding friction: The frictional force which opposes the sliding motion
between two surfaces which are in contact. Sliding friction is generally
smaller than the static friction.
(iii) Rolling Friction: The frictional force which is present between the two
surfaces when one body rolls over the other body. Rolling frictional force is
usually smaller than sliding frictional force.
● Effects of Friction
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1. Friction generates heat.
2. Friction is responsible for causing wear and tear in tyres.
3. Frictional force always opposes motion.
● Advantages of Friction
1. It is due to friction between pen and paper which allows us to write on
paper.
2. Frictional force between our feet and the ground allows our
movements like standing, walking and running.
3. Frictional force between the surface of the road and tyres of our
vehicles allow the vehicles to move on the road without slipping.
● Disadvantages of Friction
1. Due to friction moving objects tends to stop or slow down as its
motion is opposed.
2. Due to friction heat is generated leading to wastage of energy in
machines.
3. Friction is responsible for the wear and tear of moving parts of
machinery, soles of shoes, tyres on the road after some time.
● Friction is a necessary Evil. Why?
Friction has advantages so considered as a friend but due also has some
disadvantages, then it is a foe. Depending on the circumstance, friction could
be of help or could be a problem. Therefore, it is a necessary evil.
● How can we Increase Friction?
a. We can increase friction by pressing the surfaces together very
strongly. For example, when we apply brakes while riding bicycle or
car, the brake pads are pressed against a moving part of the wheel
which leads to increased friction force.
b. Friction can also be increased by increasing the roughness of the
surfaces which are coming in contact. For example, the treading of
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shoes and tyres are done to increase friction which causes its
movement on road without slipping.
● How can we reduce friction?
a. Frictional force acting between the sliding surfaces of two objects can
be reduced by making the surfaces in contact smooth by polishing
them.
b. Sliding friction between the moving parts of vehicles and machinery
can be reduced by applying oil, grease, graphite or any other lubricant.
Rolling frictional force is usually smaller than sliding frictional force.
Hence, sliding friction is generally replaced by rolling friction by
using rollers, like ball bearings are used between the hub and the axles
in the moving parts of machines and vehicles.
c. Friction can be reduced by providing wheels, hence used in suitcases,
school bags of kids.
● The body of aeroplanes, boats, fishes and birds are able to move through
fluids because of streamlined shape, in order to reduce the friction due to
fluid and avoid any energy loss.
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