What is friction

It is a force which opposes motion of one object over another object in contact with it

In easy language,it is a force which makes moving object stop

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Example 1

A ball which is moving comes to rest after some time

This is due to force of friction between ball and ground

Ball stopping itself


Example 2

Boat comes to rest if we stop rowing

This is because of the force of friction between water and the boat

Boat stops moving after rowingstops

What is direction of force of friction?


Friction always acts in the opposite direction of motion


If we push a book on table from left to right 

Force of friction moves in opposite direction from right to left


Similarly, if we push a book on table from right to left

Force of friction moves in opposite direction from left to right

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What causes friction?

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If we take a microscope and zoom in the surface of two objects,

we see that both the surface have some irregularities

When we try to move the object, the irregularities gets interlocked. This causes friction

So,

rougher the surface, more the irregularities. Hence, more friction

smoother the surface, less the irregularities. Hence, less friction

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Maninder Singh's photo - Co-founder, Teachoo

Made by

Maninder Singh

CA Maninder Singh is a Chartered Accountant for the past 14 years and a teacher from the past 18 years. He teaches Science, Economics, Accounting and English at Teachoo