Force of Friction: Definition, Types of Force of friction and More

Force of friction is a force generated due to the sliding of two surfaces against each other. The texture of the surface and the force required to slide the object against each other mainly affect the frictional force. The volume of the friction force is mainly affected by the angle of position of the object.

The force of friction generates between two objects due to the force of attraction also known as adhesion. When we try to shear the object that is on the surface which has irregularities then this movement creates a frictional force between the object and surface.

Read Also: Coefficient of Static Friction

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Formula to calculate the force of friction

Let's put the object against an object then the force of friction will be the same as the weight of the object but if we put an object against the surface then the force of friction will increase and it will become more than the weight of the object. The amount of force of friction a surface can exert on an object can be easily measured with the following given formula.

F_frict= μForm_m

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Factors Affecting Force Of Friction

• The Force of friction is mainly affected by the texture of the surface and the amount of force.
• The position and angle of the object affect the force of friction.
• If we push an object against the surface then the force of friction will increase more than the weight of the object.
• If we put an object on the surface then the force of friction will be equal to the weight of the object.

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Types of Force Of Friction 

There are various types of force of friction. Force of friction takes place between the object whose touching base is in motion. 

Generally, the friction that occurs between a solid object is also known as Dry Friction.

Kinetic, Static, Sliding, and rolling friction occurs between the solid surface, and in gases and liquid fluid friction takes place. All types of force of friction are mentioned below.

Static Friction - The static friction is defined as the force of friction between the object at rest and the surface. When you try to push an object who is at a rest position initially it is a little bit harder to move that object. This happens due to static friction.

Example - stone resting on the surface

Book resting on the table etc.

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Rolling Friction - Rolling friction is defined as the force of friction that takes place between the moving surface when one object is rolling.

Example - Bike rolling down the road

               - Rolling down the skateboard on the road etc.

Rolling Friction

Sliding Friction - Sliding friction is defined as the force of friction that occurs when two surfaces slide over one another. 

Example - pushing a chair on the floor

Fluid Friction - Fluid friction is defined as a force of friction that takes place when something tries to move through the gas or liquid.

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Normal Force

Finding the normal force is so simple. The normal force is the force exerted on the object which is in the contact with another object. By the following simple formula, we can describe the normal force that is 

N = mg

In the above formula, m denotes the mass of an object and g denotes the acceleration due to gravity. If the surface is inclined then the normal surface strength will reduce and the formula will be

N = mg cos θ

In the above formula, θ represents the angle to which the surface is inclined. If you take a simple calculation you can calculate the normal force of any object. 

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Coefficient

The coefficient is dependent on the situation and object that we have. If the object is moving then you have to use the coefficient of sliding friction that is μ_slide and if the object is not moving then the coefficient is μ_static.

Frictional Force

As we have mentioned earlier the formula to calculate the frictional force is 

F = μN

In the above case, we can easily calculate normal force as we have the formula to calculate the normal force that is N= mg

By using the above simple formula we can easily calculate the force of friction.

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Things to remember

• Force of friction is a force that generates due to the sliding of two surfaces against each other.
• The formula to calculate the force of friction is F_frict= μForm_m
• The position and angle of the object affect the force of friction.
• There are different types of friction like- Static friction, rolling friction, sliding friction and fluid friction.
• The normal force is calculated by the formula, N= mg, and when the surface is inclined it is calculated by N = mg cos θ

Read Also: Gravitational Potential Energy

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