Friction and Thermal Energy

Friction is a Force Force is a push or pull of something Friction is the the force that acts in the OPPOSITE direction of the applied force i.e. if you slide your feet to the right the friction is pushing/pulling to the left

Friction Happens Resistance occurs between solid and gas/liquid Between solid objects

Decrease friction by Using a liquid (i.e. oil to a motor) Cars have a lot of moving parts and many solid components moving one another The application of oil can decrease the friction Decreasing friction = greater mechanical efficiency

So why does Friction produce thermal energy? In the case of the two books sliding past one other The energy you put into the books increases the particle within the books.

A Molecular Look When two surfaces slide passed one another “weak intermolecular bonds” occur between the two surfaces Bonds occur between particles electrons As the surface continues to move these it breaks the bonds causing the particle to “spring” or “bounce” back into shape This sends the particle into motion This continues increasing Kinetic Energy therefore increasing temperature