What are the advantages and disadvantages of friction?

1.	What are the advantages and disadvantages of friction?
Answer» Advantages of friction: (i) Friction helps us in walking on the floor. (ii) We can not fix a nail in the wood or wall if there is no friction. It is friction which holds the nail. (iii) A horse cannot pull a cart unless friction furnishes him a secure foothold. (iv) Friction helps in applying brakes to stop a vehicle. (v) Without friction, we cannot write on a paper or on a board. Disadvantages of friction: (i) It opposes the motion. (ii) Due to friction, noise is produced in machines. (iii) Due to friction, there is a loss of energy, which decreases the efficiency of an engine. (iv) Due to friction, engines of automobiles consumes approximately 20% excess fuel which is a money loser. (v) Due to friction, we have to exert more power in machines.

Answer»

Advantages of friction:

(i) Friction helps us in walking on the floor.

(ii) We can not fix a nail in the wood or wall if there is no friction. It is friction which holds the nail.

(iii) A horse cannot pull a cart unless friction furnishes him a secure foothold.

(iv) Friction helps in applying brakes to stop a vehicle.

(v) Without friction, we cannot write on a paper or on a board.

Disadvantages of friction:

(i) It opposes the motion.

(ii) Due to friction, noise is produced in machines.

(iii) Due to friction, there is a loss of energy, which decreases the efficiency of an engine.

(iv) Due to friction, engines of automobiles consumes approximately 20% excess fuel which is a money loser.

(v) Due to friction, we have to exert more power in machines.

Discussion