The Difference Between Rolling Friction and Sliding Friction
2 Answers
Rolling friction and sliding friction differ in that: the two friction surfaces in sliding friction are fixed, while in rolling friction, one friction surface changes, with the contact points continuously shifting. Rolling friction refers to the friction generated when an object rolls over another object. Sliding friction refers to the frictional force produced when an object slides along the surface of another object. Expansion: 1. Rolling friction is much smaller than both maximum static friction and sliding friction. Generally, rolling friction is only 1/40 to 1/60 of the resistance from sliding friction. Therefore, rolling an object on the ground requires much less effort than pushing it to slide. 2. Sliding friction refers to the frictional force generated when an object slides along the surface of another object. The direction of the sliding friction force acting on the object is opposite to its direction of motion, which is why friction occurs.
The difference between rolling friction and sliding friction is actually quite distinct. For example, when you push a shopping cart forward, the wheels roll on the ground, which is rolling friction; if you push a box without wheels hard and it moves by scraping along the ground, that's sliding friction. The same applies to cars: during normal driving, the tires roll on the road surface, with low rolling friction resistance, making the car fuel-efficient; if you brake hard and the tires lock up and skid, it turns into sliding friction, with high resistance, and the car may even lose control. Rolling friction mainly occurs near the rolling contact points of objects, with low friction and minimal energy loss. Sliding friction involves the entire contact surface, with a high friction coefficient, consuming a lot of energy. Additionally, rolling friction produces little noise, while sliding friction creates a sharp squeaking sound, like brake pads rubbing. Tire design aims to maintain rolling friction as much as possible, which is why tread patterns are arranged in circular formations.
