Some Interesting Fact About Friction

You must have studied a lot about friction, But here are some interesting friction facts that you might not have been taught.

1. Friction Is Both Harmful And Helpful

Friction positively affects the car movement. For instance, without friction, your car cannot move (i.e. the tires cannot push against the ground to move the car and thereby brakes cannot stop the car.)

On the other hand, it can cause problems too, example: Friction between any engine parts only increases the temperature and thus causes engine parts to break down; therefore, a coolant is added to keep the temperature normal.

2. Weight Is An Important Element In Friction

According to the three laws of physics, weight is an important factor in friction. The first law says that friction is directly proportional to the weight of the object. According to the second law, it is not calculated by the volume and area of an object. The last law suggests that it is independent of the speed at which an object is active.

3. Friction Often Heats Things Up

As the sliding object slows down, most of the amount of energy is transformed into heat. The friction converts ordered energy into thermal energy or heat. Example, Matchbox.

4. There’s A Strong Connection Between Friction And Energy

Another interesting friction fact that you might know is that friction has a lot to do with energy. If the two objects are rubbing each other and one is sliding down, it means the objects are losing the energy. The energy released is not at all real and is rather kinetic energy.

5. Friction Is A Form Of Energy That Can’t Be Reused

Friction is a way for a system to lose 'useful' energy. This energy doesn’t disappear and converts mostly into heat but it could also be lost to sound (for instance, things produce screeching or vibrating sound when slid across the floor) or other 'useless' forms of energy.