Page 122 - Viva ICSE Science 4 : E-book

Small push Big push

High
Low friction friction

Smooth surface Rough surface

• Heavy objects have more friction than light objects. Therefore, it is diffi cult to push
an iron box over the fl oor in comparison to a wooden box of the same size.

• The surface area of an object also decides if the friction will be more or less. The
bigger an object, the greater will be the friction. Therefore, it is diffi cult to move a
big box in comparison to a small box of same material.

Uses of Friction in Our Daily Life

Friction plays an important role in our daily life. It is very useful for us as it helps in
performing many activities. Some examples of uses of friction in our daily life are as
follows.

• Friction provides the grip that is necessary for stability and
motion.

• It helps us to hold things like a book, a water bottle and many
other things.

• The friction between the soles of our shoes and the ground

prevents us from slipping while walking.

• It helps us to ride a bicycle (or any vehicle) as friction
exists between the bicycle tyre and the ground.

• It makes a car to stop when brakes are applied. The car
slows down and stops because of the friction that acts

between the brakes and the wheel.

• Friction generates energy. It helps us to light a
matchstick when we rub the rough surface of the

matchbox with the matchstick.

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