Why does friction remain constant with larger surface area?

Click For Summary
Frictional force is independent of the contact area, as described by the equation F=μN, where area does not factor in. The confusion arises from the belief that larger surface areas lead to more interlocking of surface irregularities, which would suggest increased friction. However, with a constant mass, a larger surface area distributes the weight over more area, reducing the pressure on each unit area. This results in a constant frictional force regardless of surface area. Understanding this principle clarifies why friction remains constant despite changes in contact area.
takando12
Messages
122
Reaction score
5
My books and my teachers tell me that the frictional force is independent of the area of contact. I am also aware of the equation F=μN and that area has no part in it. But it's just so confusing and counter-intuitive.
Friction is because of the the interlocking of the irregularities of two surfaces (At least that's what i think it is). So doesn't more area mean , more interlocking and hence more friction?
Please do help me understand this.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
For an object whose mass is constant and shape can be deformed, the larger the one of the object's surfaces is, the less the gravity that unit area carries gets, so the frictional force remains also remains constant.
 
For simple comparison, I think the same thought process can be followed as a block slides down a hill, - for block down hill, simple starting PE of mgh to final max KE 0.5mv^2 - comparing PE1 to max KE2 would result in finding the work friction did through the process. efficiency is just 100*KE2/PE1. If a mousetrap car travels along a flat surface, a starting PE of 0.5 k th^2 can be measured and maximum velocity of the car can also be measured. If energy efficiency is defined by...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
5K
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
9K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K