# What is the direction of rolling friction?

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1. Apr 9, 2015

### Raymond Zheng

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
A forward force on the axle accelerates a rolling wheel on a horizontal surface. If the wheel
does not slide the frictional force of the surface on the wheel is:
A. zero
B. in the forward direction
C. in the backward direction
D. in the upward direction
E. in the downward direction

2. Relevant equations
None.

3. The attempt at a solution
I've already seen another post on the exact same question, but I'm still unclear as to how the solution is obtained.

If a forward force (force to the right, which we take to be positive) is applied at the axle (simply pushing), then, normally the wheel would just move forward without spinning... but because of friction from the surface, the wheel spins in a clockwise direction, meaning that the direction of friction is backwards (to the left). Answer should be C.

If a torque is applied to the wheel, then the wheel is already spinning. Contact with the surface pushes the wheel in the forward direction. Therefore, in this case, friction is pushing the wheel in the forward direction. Answer should be B.

I'm wondering if the answer key, or any of my answers, are wrong.

Thanks!

2. Apr 9, 2015

### Simon Bridge

The force that acts upwards is the "normal force" which, in this case, exactly opposes the weight of the wheel.
We would not normally think of this is a friction force - so the answer D is incorrect.

The way to think about it is what would happen without friction - the wheel would slide, and the addition of friction would be to oppose the relative sliding motion at the point of contact. So whichever way the rim would normally slide, the friction is the opposite direction. This is the same rule whether, as in this case, the wheel is being pulled by the axle or in the case often discussed where there is a driving torque applied to the wheel.

The former would happen (say) when your car is being towed and the latter when you step on the gas.

You've tried to work through the above process, but you should try again more slowly.

3. Apr 9, 2015

### Delta²

First of all your answer key is definetely wrong, the friction force cannot be upwards (unless you posted the question wrong and it actually asks for the normal force).

Seems to me the correct answer is C, and your justification is almost correct. Because (as it given by the problem statement) the wheel is rolling but does not slide, this essentially means that the velocity of the c.o.m of the wheel is equal to the rotational velocity of the point of contact, for any time t. But the force on the axle (which as given by the statement, is accelerating the wheel, which essentially means it increases the velocity of the c.o.m) increases the velocity of the c.o.m, so something must increase the rotational velocity as well in order to remain equal. That increase in the rotational velocity can only come from the torque of friction (the torque of the force in the axle is zero).

Last edited: Apr 9, 2015