Friction can slow things down and stop stationary things from moving. In a frictionless world, more objects would be sliding about, clothes and shoes would be difficult to keep on and it would be very difficult for people or cars to get moving or change direction. Not all friction is ‘bad’ as we are frequently told.

There are several ways to reduce friction:

• The use of bearing surfaces that are themselves sacrificial, such as low shear materials, of which lead/copper journal bearings are an example.
• Replace sliding friction with rolling element friction, such as with the use of rolling element bearings.

Answer. 1️⃣If we did not reduce friction in machines, it will requires more power to complete a work and results in wastage of energy. 2️⃣Also the heat generated by friction can disrupts and destroys the part of the machinery.

An explanation of friction using a bobsled as an example. A force is needed to start an object moving and to stop it once it is moving. A force can make an object speed up or slow down. Friction is a force generated when surfaces move across each other.

Friction is the resistance to motion of one object moving relative to another. It is not a fundamental force, like gravity or electromagnetism. Instead, scientists believe it is the result of the electromagnetic attraction between charged particles in two touching surfaces.

Everyday Examples of Sliding Friction

• Rubbing both hands together to create heat.
• A sled sliding across snow or ice.
• Skis sliding against snow.
• A person sliding down a slide is an example of sliding friction.
• A coaster sliding against a table.
• A washing machine pushed along a floor.
• An iron being pushed across material.

Without friction between the shoes and the ground, you cannot walk properly. If there is no friction, all of us would be sliding around without any control over ourselves. While walking, you’re pushing your foot back as you try to step forward. Friction holds your shoe to the ground so you can walk around.

Friction comes into play when two irregular surfaces come in contact. The continuous rubbing of these surfaces together causes it to gradually wear out. Also, much of the applied force or energy is wasted in overcoming the force of friction. Hence, it is considered as evil, but it is necessary too.

It opposes motion, meaning if something is sliding on the floor, friction is the force that makes it eventually come to a stop. In a world without friction, the object would continue to slide forever, if not acted on by another force.