Friction is a force that resists the motion of one surface over the other surface. This force is the outcome of the electromagnetic attraction of the charged particles between the two surfaces.
They call this friction, a necessary evil for life. Our life on earth is made easy with this phenomenon called friction. But at the same time, it has its own disadvantage too.
This article consists of the nine significant disadvantages of friction.
9 Disadvantages of Friction
1. Extra energy needed
As friction is the force that acts between the two surfaces, it resists the relative motion. And to overcome this resistance, extra Energy is needed. So because of the friction, more energy is needed.
2. Overheating
We all know that friction produces heat between the two surfaces in contact. For example, heat is felt when we rub our hands against each other. Sometimes this produced heat is helpful, but most of the time, it is one of the disadvantages of friction. This heat produced can even damage the moving parts and decreases the efficiency of the working machinery.
3. Unwanted noise
When you rub two surfaces, it creates some noise. This is a tiny example. Think about the large moving parts of big machines rubbing against each other, and This can create a very large amount of noise if it is not greased properly. Thus creating noise pollution.
4. Wear and tear
In friction, two surfaces rub against each other, which may be smooth or sometimes harsh. Here one of the disadvantages of friction is between two surfaces as it causes wear and tear of the surfaces in contact, which eventually causes the damage of machines.
5. Lessen the life expectancy
The above-mentioned disadvantages of friction combine and cause damage to machines. Continuous rubbing of two surfaces reduces the life expectancy of machines.
6. Efficiency reduction
The friction between the small parts of the machines may obstruct their motion. This altogether reduces the efficiency of the machine, which adds to the disadvantages of friction.
7. Added expense
To prevent the disadvantage of friction which damages the machines, we adopt certain steps to reduce friction, like greasing and oiling the surfaces for smooth motion. This increases the expense spend on the machine.
8. Fuel consumption
Reduced efficiency will make the machine consume more fuel. More fuel consumption leads to environmental damage, both directly and indirectly.
9. Forest fires
Forest fire is caused due to rubbing of trees against each other during dry weather conditions. This is one of the major disadvantages of friction.
Advantages of Friction
Even though there are disadvantages of friction, the advantages of friction cannot be ignored. Friction is used everywhere in everyday life. Here are a few advantages of friction.
1. Writing on a paper
Here friction acts between the tip of the pen and the surface of the paper, allowing easy writing on the paper.
2. Brakes
Friction plays a very important role in vehicles, especially in brakes. It is because of friction that we can slow down or stop the vehicle. Here it is due to the friction between the wheel and the brake pads.
3. Walk on
Friction is a big factor as to why we are able to walk. While walking, the surface imposes a force in the backward direction that makes us move in the opposite direction. In this way, we can walk without falling. Surfaces with less friction, like ice floors, will make it difficult to walk.
4. Asteroid burning
When objects from space like asteroids and meteoroids fall towards the earth, there is friction between the falling object and the earth’s atmosphere. This friction causes the burning of these objects with a large amount of heat generated.
5. Other Advantages of Friction
Supporting the ladder when it is leaned against a wall- Friction is the main reason behind a ladder placed against the wall. Without this phenomenon, the ladder has no use in our life—a main advantage of friction.
Reason for many types of motion- Motion is the process of moving—friction functions as a key element in any type of motion.
Generates heat– When two surfaces in contact are rubbed against each other, they produce heat that can be used in a beneficial way.
Helps to hold objects– We are able to hold things in our hand because there exists a frictional force between the object and our hand that prevents the object from slipping.
Hold objects in an inclined plane- The friction stops things from sliding when placed in an inclined plane so that we can pile up objects.
Conclusion
Friction has both advantages and disadvantages in our life. Thus friction is a force that is a part of our day-to-day activities, without which our lives would get messed up.
