Why with water on the friction coeffiction is bigger?

In summary: If the floor is dry, you will see more stiction because of the lower static friction. On a wet floor, you will see a significant increase in the static and dynamic friction because of the increased water surface tension.
  • #1
Orange919
3
0
why with water on the friction coeffiction is bigger?

on the corridor floor the static friction is 2.2N, the dynamic friction is 1.4N
when the corridor floor with water on, the friction is increased, the static friction is 3.8N, the dynamic friction is 3.6N

why with water on, the friction coeffiction is bigger?

and, why with water on the difference between static friction and dynamic friction is decreased?

water can't be a lubricator, but oil can. that is because the surface tension and the molecular structure on them. but what is their difference, and why it can cause the difference on the friction coefficient?


thank u
 
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  • #2
Water can act as an adhesive, probably due to the viscous drag of a thin film of water.
 
  • #3
Welcome to PF!

Hi Orange! Welcome to PF! :smile:

I think you're thinking of aquaplaning … when you slip on a wet floor, you're essentially water-skiing rather than sliding on the floor itself.

Wet cloth is definitely stickier than dry cloth.

And whatever is sliding on the floor (like a mop) may absorb some of the water, which will give it different frictional properties anyway. :smile:
 
  • #4
Try riding a bicycle on that wet floor and you'll find the coefficient of friction is smaller than with a dry floor. It depends on the two surfaces involved plus the water.
 
  • #5
… academic terrorism ? …

Jeff Reid said:
Try riding a bicycle on that wet floor …

Don't let the janitor catch you! :redface:

People have been expelled for less … :smile:
 
  • #6
As mentioned earlier, whether water is a lubricant or not depends on the actual surfaces. For, example, it lubricates PEEK pretty well.

Our ordinary experience with water as a lubricant is skewed by impurities in the water which often dramatically change the lubrication properties. For example, add just a small bit of glycerine to water and check the coefficients.
 
  • #7
TVP45 said:
As mentioned earlier, whether water is a lubricant or not depends on the actual surfaces. For, example, it lubricates PEEK pretty well.

Our ordinary experience with water as a lubricant is skewed by impurities in the water which often dramatically change the lubrication properties. For example, add just a small bit of glycerine to water and check the coefficients.

sorry, i know glycerine is a surface active agent, it can decrease the surface tension of the water
but i don't know what is the relations between surface tension and friction
 
  • #8
So, pour a cup of water on a tile floor and walk across it. Then repeat, adding a tablespoon of glycerine to the water. Let us know what you find.
 
  • #9
It depends on how much water there is between the two surfaces. If water is abundant, it will act as a lubricant because the two surfaces do not slide on each other but on a thin layer of water. But if water is just enough, it will increase the friction for a number of reasons. One of them is that the water seals some possible cavities and creates vacuum which certainly increases the force perpendicular to the surfaces. Others may be adhesion or the likes.
 
  • #10
pixel01 said:
It depends on how much water there is between the two surfaces. If water is abundant, it will act as a lubricant because the two surfaces do not slide on each other but on a thin layer of water. But if water is just enough, it will increase the friction for a number of reasons. One of them is that the water seals some possible cavities and creates vacuum which certainly increases the force perpendicular to the surfaces. Others may be adhesion or the likes.

some of the atmospheric pressure, right?
 
  • #11
Orange919,
Excuse me. I think I missed something in your post. You said "corridor". Is this a polished floor? If so, you will probably see significant stiction.
 

1. Why does water increase friction?

Water increases friction because it creates a layer of lubrication on the surface, making it harder for objects to slide past one another. This layer of water disrupts the contact between two surfaces, increasing the resistance and therefore the friction.

2. How does water affect the friction coefficient?

Water affects the friction coefficient by increasing it. The presence of water creates a layer of lubrication on the surface, reducing the effectiveness of the normal force between two surfaces. This results in a higher friction coefficient.

3. Why is friction coefficient greater with water?

The friction coefficient is greater with water because the presence of water creates a layer of lubrication on the surface, reducing the effectiveness of the normal force between two surfaces. This results in a higher friction coefficient.

4. How does the amount of water affect the friction coefficient?

The amount of water present can greatly affect the friction coefficient. The more water there is, the thicker the lubricating layer will be and the more it will disrupt the normal force between two surfaces. This will result in a higher friction coefficient.

5. Is there a way to reduce the friction coefficient when water is present?

Yes, there are ways to reduce the friction coefficient when water is present. One way is to use hydrophobic materials, which repel water and prevent the formation of a lubricating layer. Another way is to increase the normal force between two surfaces, making it more difficult for the water layer to disrupt it. Additionally, adding a dry lubricant can also help to reduce friction in the presence of water.

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