What is Rolling Friction?

Rolling friction is a type of friction, that opposes the motion of rolling objects. For example, if a ball is rolling on the floor, eventually it will stop. This happens because the ball is going to experience resistance in the direction of its motion. The frictional force acts on the ball, which is opposite to the motion of the ball and slows down the ball. The deformation of surfaces is the reason for rolling friction. Rolling friction is valid in the case for ball bearings-car tires, bowling balls, etc.

Rolling Friction Examples

Here are some examples of rolling friction

  • Wheels of Vehicles: When vehicles move forward, they experience resistance to their motion due to contact with roads.
  • Ball Bearings: Ball Bearings uses small metal balls, which creates rolling friction between wheels and axles
  • Luggage Wheels: Trolleys use wheels that experience rolling friction when dragged on the surface and help to move heavy luggage with ease.
  • Conveyor Belts: Conveyor belts at airports and metro stations are used to scan luggage. In these, rolling friction acts between the belt and the roller.

Rolling Friction

Rolling Friction is a frictional force that opposes rolling objects. Rolling friction is applicable where the body moves along its curved surfaces. For example, wheels in vehicles, ball bearings, etc. are examples of rolling friction.

In this article, we will learn about rolling friction, its definition, laws, formulas, causes, coefficient, and the factors that affect it. We will also learn how rolling friction is different from sliding friction.

Table of Content

  • What is Rolling Friction?
  • Laws of Rolling Friction
  • Rolling Friction Formula
  • Cause of Rolling Friction
  • Coefficient of Rolling Friction
  • Factors Affecting Rolling Friction

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What is Rolling Friction?

Rolling friction is a type of friction, that opposes the motion of rolling objects. For example, if a ball is rolling on the floor, eventually it will stop. This happens because the ball is going to experience resistance in the direction of its motion. The frictional force acts on the ball, which is opposite to the motion of the ball and slows down the ball. The deformation of surfaces is the reason for rolling friction. Rolling friction is valid in the case for ball bearings-car tires, bowling balls, etc....

Laws of Rolling Friction

There are three laws of rolling friction:...

Rolling Friction Formula

Consider the following figure:...

Cause of Rolling Friction

Rolling friction arises from several factors related to the interaction between a rolling object and the surface over which it rolls. The main causes of rolling friction include:...

Coefficient of Rolling Friction

The coefficient of rolling friction is the ratio of the rolling friction to whole weight of object. The coefficient of rolling friction when given may be formulated mathematically as...

Factors Affecting Rolling Friction

The following factors affect rolling friction:...

Difference Between Rolling And Sliding Friction

The differences between rolling friction and sliding friction have been listed in the table below:...

Advantages and Disadvantages of Rolling Friction

We know that Friction is a necessary evil. Hence, rolling friction has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantages and disadvantages of rolling friction is tabulated below:...

Numericals on Rolling Friction

Example 1: Considering a static friction, a 100 kg crate push across a horizontal floor is at a constant speed. A coefficient of rolling friction per one the crate and floor unit is 0.02.(157 words) What is the force needed for pushing the truck?...

Rolling Friction Practice Problems

1. Considering a static friction, a 1000 kg crate push across a horizontal floor is at a constant speed. A coefficient of rolling friction per one the crate and floor unit is 0.06. What is the force needed for pushing the truck?...

Rolling Friction Frequently Asked Questions

What is Friction?...

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