Frictional Force

Frictional force

Force that generated when two surfaces are in contact

Direction of frictional force

Always opposes the direction of a moving object

Factors that affect frictional force

Type of surface & mass of object

Type of surface

Smooth surfaces produce small frictional forces

Mass of object

Heavy objects produce large frictional forces

Advantages of frictional force

Produces heat, slows down a moving object and stops it, holds an object, makes an object stay static, sharpens tools

Disadvantages of frictional force

Produces unwanted noise, makes movement difficult, causes the soles of shoes and tyres of vehicles to be worn out

Ways to increase force

Use patterned soles and surfaces, make the surface rougher, use anti-slip mats, use magnesium carbonate chalk powder

Ways to reduce frictional force

Use lubricants, use grease, use rollers and ball bearings, use wax, use boric acid powder