Friction is a force which acts opposite to the direction of applied force.Is friction always desirable?No not in all cases.In some cases friction is advantageous whereas its undesirable in other cases.Friction can be reduced or increased according to our needs.

Ways to increase friction

• Shoe soles are provided with grooves and spikes to
  increase friction.
• Similarly, tyres have grooves and treads to move the
  vehicle without slipping.
• Brakes and braking system of cars and other vehicles are
  provided with rough surfaces to offer maximum friction.
• When we ride the vehicle, brake pads do not touch the
  wheels, but when we press the brake lever, these pads arrest

the motion of rim due to friction.

 

Ways to reduce friction

• Using Lubricants: The substances which are applied
  between the moving parts of a machine, so that they do not
  rub against each other are called lubricants. Example: oil,
  grease, soap, etc. By the application of lubricants,
  interlocking of the irregularities is avoided to a great extent.
• Using Powder: E.g. sprinkling talcum powder on the
  carrom board.
• Using Wheels, Rollers and Ball Bearings: By using
  wheels, rollers and ball bearings, we can
  reduce friction.

Types of Friction

• Sliding Friction: The opposing force that comes into
  play when one body slides over
  another body is called sliding friction.
• Rolling Friction: When one body rolls over the surface
  of another body, the resistance to its
  motion is called rolling friction.

 

• Wheels and rollers ensure fast motion and reduce friction.
  For these reasons, modern day luggage is provided with
  wheels and rollers.
• All vehicles have wheels and brakes, which helps in
  controlling speed and even stopping it.

 

 

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Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton