what SD can friction do to moving objects

Physics · Middle School · Sun Jan 24 2021

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1. Slowing Down: The most common effect of friction on a moving object is reducing its speed. When an object moves across a surface, the friction force opposes the direction of motion, causing it to slow down over time.

2. Stopping: If the object does not have continuous external force applied to keep it moving, friction can eventually stop it altogether. This is what happens when you slide a book across a table; it comes to a halt after traveling some distance.

3. Generating Heat: When an object experiences friction, the energy that was used to keep the object moving gets converted into heat energy due to the resistance between surfaces. The rubbing of surfaces generates this heat.

4. Causing Wear and Tear: Constant friction between two surfaces can lead to the gradual wearing down of one or both of the surfaces. This is often seen in mechanical parts of machines or the soles of shoes.

5. Providing Grip: On the positive side, friction allows objects to grip onto surfaces, which is necessary for walking, driving, and picking up objects. Car tires, for example, rely on friction to grip the road and allow the vehicle to accelerate, turn, and stop safely.