Question

The glue on a piece of tape can exert forces. Can these forces be a type of simple friction? Explain, considering especially that tape can stick to vertical walls and even to ceilings.

a) Yes, the forces are analogous to kinetic friction.
b) No, tape forces are unrelated to friction.
c) The forces are due to magnetic attraction.
d) Tape forces are a result of gravitational pull.

Answer 1

The forces exerted by the glue on a piece of tape are due to adhesive forces, not simple friction. Adhesive forces are stronger than frictional forces, which allows tape to stick to vertical walls and ceilings.

Step-by-step explanation:

The forces exerted by the glue on a piece of tape are not a type of simple friction. When tape sticks to vertical walls or ceilings, the forces involved are due to adhesive forces between the surface molecules of the tape and the walls or ceilings. The forces exerted by the glue on a piece of tape are due to adhesive forces, not simple friction. Adhesive forces are stronger than frictional forces, which allows tape to stick to vertical walls and ceilings.

Frictional forces, on the other hand, occur when two surfaces slide or try to slide past each other. In the case of tape sticking to surfaces, the adhesive forces are stronger than the frictional forces because they can support the weight of the tape in a vertical or ceiling position.