4.12. Friction http://www.ck12.org
FIGURE 4.19
These photos show two ways that friction
is usefulFIGURE 4.20
These photos show two ways that friction
can cause problemsWhy Friction Occurs
Friction occurs because no surface is perfectly smooth. Even surfaces that look smooth to the unaided eye make look
rough or bumpy when viewed under a microscope. Look at the metal surfaces in theFigure4.21. The aluminum
foil is so smooth that it’s shiny. However, when highly magnified, the surface of metal appears to be very bumpy. All
those mountains and valleys catch and grab the mountains and valleys of any other surface that contacts the metal.
This creates friction.
Factors That Affect Friction
Rougher surfaces have more friction between them than smoother surfaces. That’s why we put sand on icy sidewalks
and roads. You can’t slide as far across ice with shoes as you can on the blades of skates (seeFigure4.22). The
rougher surface of the soles of the shoes causes more friction and slows you down.
Q: Heavier objects also have more friction. Can you explain why?