One disadvantage of friction is the wear and tear of machinery. Friction can be reduced by lubrication. Lubrication of the surfaces with oil fills the gaps and allows the two surfaces to slide over each other. Even if a surface looks smooth to the naked eye, it will appear rough under a microscope.
: Fig. 28.5 A car tyre grips the road due to fiction ? TEST TUBE
1. List another advantage and disadvantage of friction in everyday life. 2. Describe one way friction could be reduced in a sport of your choice. 3. Research the following types of contact forces and give an everyday example of each: a. tension b. buoyancy
Non-contact forces
Any force that does not have to touch an object to move it is called a non-contact force. For example, magnets can pick up metal objects without touching them.
Gravity
Gravity is a non-contact force. The closer a person is to a large mass, such as a planet, the heavier their body will be as gravity pulls them towards the centre of that mass. The greater the mass of the planet a person is on, the greater the gravitational force on their body.
: Fig. 28.6 Oil is applied to machinery to reduce the wear and tear caused by friction
: Fig. 28.7 Magnetism is a non-contact force
( Fig. 28.8 Astronauts on the International Space Station appear weightless because they are located a vast distance from the mass of a planet