Why do we need friction?

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Because it prevents our shoes slipping on the pavement when we walk and stops car tyres skidding on the road. When you walk, friction is caused between the tread on shoes and the ground. This friction acts to grip the ground and prevent sliding. Sometimes we want to reduce friction.

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Friction can flow things down and stop  stationary things from moving.

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Introduction:
Friction is a force that opposes the relative motion or tendency of motion between two surfaces in contact. While friction is often seen as a hindrance or annoyance, it plays a crucial role in our everyday lives and is essential for various reasons. Let's explore why we need friction in detail.

1. Generating heat:
Friction generates heat when two surfaces rub against each other. This heat is useful in many applications, such as starting a fire by rubbing two sticks together or the brakes of a vehicle generating heat to slow down or stop. Without friction, these processes would not be possible, and many essential activities would become challenging or impossible.

2. Enabling walking and running:
Friction is necessary for walking and running. When we take a step, the friction between our feet and the ground prevents us from slipping. Without friction, our feet would not have enough grip on the ground, making it difficult to walk or run without constantly slipping and falling.

3. Allowing vehicles to move:
Friction is essential for vehicles to move on the road. The friction between the tires and the road surface provides the necessary traction for the vehicle to accelerate, decelerate, and maneuver. Without friction, vehicles would struggle to move or stop efficiently, leading to numerous accidents and transportation issues.

4. Holding objects together:
Friction helps in holding objects together. When we tighten the lid of a jar, the friction between the lid and the jar's rim keeps it tightly sealed. Without friction, the lid would easily come off, leading to spillage and wastage of the contents. Similarly, friction allows us to grip objects firmly, preventing them from slipping out of our hands.

5. Writing and drawing:
Friction is vital for writing and drawing. When we write with a pen or pencil, the friction between the writing instrument and the paper allows the ink or graphite to transfer onto the surface, creating legible marks. Without friction, the pen or pencil would slide across the paper without leaving any visible trace, rendering writing and drawing impossible.

6. Controlling speed:
Friction plays a crucial role in controlling the speed of moving objects. For example, the brakes of a vehicle utilize friction to slow down or stop by creating resistance against the rotating wheels. Friction also allows us to control the speed of a moving object by increasing or decreasing the force applied, enabling us to have better control over various activities and processes.

Conclusion:
Friction is not just a hindrance but a necessary force in our lives. From allowing us to walk and run to enabling vehicles to move and controlling essential processes, friction plays a vital role in various aspects of our daily activities. Without friction, many tasks and operations would become challenging or even impossible to perform.

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