ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF FRICTION - METHODS OF REDUCING FRICTION

ADVANTAGES OF FRICTION: -

Friction plays a vital role in our daily life. Without friction we are handicap.
1. It is becomes difficult to walk on a slippery road due to low friction. When we move on ice, it     becomes difficult to walk due to low friction of ice.
2. We cannot fix nail in the wood or wall if there is no friction. It is friction which holds the nail.
3. A horse cannot pull a cart unless friction furnishes him a secure Foothold.

DISADVANTAGES OF FRICTION: -

 
Despite the fact that the friction is very important in our daily life, it also has some disadvantages like:
1.         The main disadvantage of friction is that it produces heat in various parts of machines. In this way        some useful energy is wasted as heat energy.
2.         Due to friction we have to exert more power in machines.
3.         It opposes the motion. 
4.         Due to friction, noise is also produced in machines.
5.         Due to friction, engines of automobiles consume more fuel which is a money loss. 

METHODS OF REDUCING FRICTION: -

There are a number of methods to reduce friction in which some are discussed here.

USE OF LUBRICANTS: -

The parts of machines which are moving over one another must be properly lubricated by using oils and lubricants of suitable viscosity.

USE OF GREASE: -

Proper greasing between the sliding parts of machine reduces the friction.

USE OF BALL BEARING: -
In machines where possible, sliding friction can be replaced by rolling friction by using ball bearings.

DESIGN MODIFICATION: -

Friction can be reduced by changing the design of fast moving objects. The front of vehicles and airplanes made oblong to minimize friction.