Controlling Friction

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Controlling Friction

• Lesson 2

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• Friction can be either an advantage or a
  disadvantage, depending on the situation.
  Unwanted friction can be reduced when needed
  while friction can be added if needed.

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Methods of reducing friction

• Ball bearings reduce friction and are often used
  in wheels of all sorts.

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• Lubricants such as grease and oil can help reduce
  friction and wear

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• A layer of air between objects can greatly reduce
  friction. Hovercraft and air hockey tables use
  this method.

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Reasons for increasing friction

• Friction is needed in order for us to move
  safely, Friction is designed into highways,
  tires, athletic shoes, and brakes

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Coefficients of friction lab

• Coefficients of friction are determined by
  experiments rather than calculations. In this
  investigation, you will measure FSmax and FK for
  a block being pulled on several surfaces. You
  will then apply the equations for static and
  kinetic friction to determine the coefficients of
  friction in each situation. The applied force
  acting on the block should always be parallel to
  the surface.