What determines the direction of the frictional force?

What determines the direction of the frictional force?

• A. The direction of motion of the object
• B. The direction of applied force
• C. The opposing direction to the relative motion of the surfaces
• D. The direction of gravity

Answer: (C)

The direction of the frictional force is determined by the opposing direction to the relative motion of the surfaces in contact. When two surfaces interact, friction acts to resist the initiation or continuation of sliding motion between them. This means that if one surface were to slide over another, friction will always act in the direction opposite to that of the relative movement. For example, if an object is sliding to the right, the friction force will act to the left, countering that motion. This is foundational in understanding how friction operates in real-world scenarios, such as when a car brakes or when objects are dragged across surfaces. The other factors mentioned may influence the magnitude or conditions of friction, but they do not define its direction.

The direction of the frictional force is determined by the opposing direction to the relative motion of the surfaces in contact. When two surfaces interact, friction acts to resist the initiation or continuation of sliding motion between them. This means that if one surface were to slide over another, friction will always act in the direction opposite to that of the relative movement. For example, if an object is sliding to the right, the friction force will act to the left, countering that motion.

This is foundational in understanding how friction operates in real-world scenarios, such as when a car brakes or when objects are dragged across surfaces. The other factors mentioned may influence the magnitude or conditions of friction, but they do not define its direction.