3.2.12

Friction

Test yourself

Friction

When two objects rub or slide together, friction is the force that slows the objects down.

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Friction

  • Friction is the force when two objects rub together or slide past each other.
  • When you walk, there is friction between your shoes and the ground.
  • Friction produces thermal energy which is often lost to the object's surroundings.
  • Air resistance is a type of friction.
    • You can reduce air resistance by streamlining an object so it is more aerodynamic.
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Useful friction

  • If the soles of your shoes have worn out and there is no grip, this will reduce friction.
  • Snow chains are used on tyres to increase the amount of friction between a car’s wheel and a snow-covered road, which prevents the car from skidding.
  • You put oil on your bike chain to reduce friction around the chain and gears.

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Thinking Scientifically

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