What is the difference between rolling friction and sliding friction?
3 Answers
The differences between rolling friction and sliding friction are as follows: 1. Different working methods: Sliding friction involves two fixed friction surfaces, while in rolling friction, one friction surface changes, and the contact points continuously shift. 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. 2. Different frictional forces: Rolling friction is much smaller than the maximum static friction and sliding friction. Under normal circumstances, rolling friction is only 1/40 to 1/60 of the sliding friction resistance. Therefore, rolling an object on the ground requires much less effort than pushing it to slide. Sliding friction refers to the frictional force produced 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 in car driving is significant. Having driven for over ten years, I can say rolling friction occurs when tires normally rotate on the road, like during everyday cruising where the tires roll in contact with the surface. The friction is minimal, resistance is low, the car runs smoothly with lower fuel consumption and less wear, making it a safe and fuel-efficient state. Sliding friction is the opposite—when slamming on the brakes or losing control, the wheels lock up and slide directly on the ground. Friction increases dramatically, generating high heat, rapid tire wear, loud noise, and even skidding or accidents, especially on low-friction surfaces like rain or snow. The ABS braking system is specifically designed to prevent sliding friction by using pulsed braking to keep the wheels in rolling friction mode, improving braking effectiveness and control. While driving, I always remind myself to press the accelerator gently and turn slowly to avoid sudden situations, maintaining rolling friction as much as possible.
In daily driving, rolling friction is beneficial as it allows the car to run smoothly with the tires lightly touching the ground and minimal friction. Sliding friction, on the other hand, is a troublemaker—when sudden braking occurs, the wheels stop rotating, leading to a significant increase in sliding friction, which can easily cause loss of control, especially on slippery roads. My personal driving habit is to maintain a safe distance and drive at a steady speed, which maximizes rolling friction, reduces unnecessary fuel consumption, and minimizes tire wear. When encountering obstacles, I slow down in advance instead of braking abruptly. Otherwise, once sliding friction occurs, the tires may overheat and deform, the brake pads may wear out faster, and the subsequent repair costs could be high, not to mention the safety risks involved.
