Rolling Friction

Rolling friction is the force that resists the motion of a rolling object, such as a ball, wheel, or cylinder, across a surface. It occurs when an object rolls over a surface, and it is due to the deformation of the object and the surface it is rolling on.

Factors Affecting Rolling Friction

Several factors can affect rolling friction, including:

• Surface roughness
• Weight of the object
• Shape and size of the object
• Type of material of the object and the surface

Comparison with Other Types of Friction

Rolling friction is different from sliding friction and static friction. Unlike sliding friction, which occurs when two surfaces slide past each other, rolling friction occurs when an object rolls over a surface. Similarly, static friction occurs when there is no motion between two surfaces, whereas rolling friction is present during the motion of a rolling object.

Examples of Rolling Friction

Some common examples of rolling friction include:

• A ball rolling on the ground
• A car's tires rolling on the road
• A wheelbarrow being pushed across the ground

Reducing Rolling Friction

Rolling friction can be reduced by using smooth and hard surfaces, such as ball bearings, and by minimizing the deformation of the rolling object and the surface it is rolling on.

Study Guide Questions

1. What is rolling friction?
2. What factors can affect rolling friction?
3. How is rolling friction different from sliding friction and static friction?
4. Provide examples of rolling friction in everyday life.
5. How can rolling friction be reduced?

[Rolling Friction] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Force and motionScience • First Grade