Question

What are the two factors that affect the force of friction?

a) Mass and velocity
b) Surface roughness and speed
c) Weight and surface area
d) Temperature and atmospheric pressure

Answer 1

Friction, a force that opposes the relative motion or tendency of such motion between two surfaces in contact, is influenced by two primary factors: weight and surface area. The force of friction is directly proportional to the weight or normal force pressing the surfaces together. Additionally, the surface area in contact also plays a role; a larger surface area increases the amount of frictional force. Thus c) Weight and surface area is right answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The force of friction
`(\(F_{\text{friction}}\))` between two surfaces is influenced by the normal force
`(\(F_{\text{normal}}\))`pressing them together. The greater the weight or normal force exerted on the surfaces, the stronger the frictional force. Mathematically,
`\(F_{\text{friction}}\)` is directly proportional to
`\(F_{\text{normal}}\)` and can be represented as
`\(F_{\text{friction}} = \mu * F_{\text{normal}}\)`, where
`\(\mu\)`is the coefficient of friction.

Moreover, the surface area in contact also affects friction. A larger surface area means more points of contact between the surfaces, leading to an increase in the frictional force. This relationship can be seen in scenarios such as trying to push a heavy box: increasing the weight of the box (increasing the normal force) or increasing the contact area between the box and the ground (increasing the surface area) both enhance the frictional force, making it harder to move the box.

In summary, the force of friction is directly influenced by the weight or normal force between surfaces and the surface area in contact. These factors determine the magnitude of the frictional force and play a crucial role in various practical applications and scenarios involving motion and resistance between surfaces.