Which creates force of friction: sliding your physics book across the table on its back cover or along one of?

Question

Which creates force of friction: sliding your physics book across the table on its back cover or along one of its edges?

Answer 1

They all involve friction, but I think you mean which has the most force due to friction, right? :-\ If so, I believe the answer is that they are all the same.

In simple situations, the frictional force created by sliding two surfaces against eachother is given by:

f = u * N

Where u (mu) is the frictional coefficient (an experimentally-determined constant) and N is the normal force, which is mg (mass times accelleration of gravity) if the surface isn't tilted.

So, assuming the frictional coefficient is the same for all sides of the book, there is no reason why changing the sides would make a difference.

Answer 2

Both create friction, but the question probably meant which creates more. That would be sliding the book along on its cover, because there's a much greater area in contact with the table.

Answer 3

I think it would be along its back cover since a greater amount of the book is on the table for friction to be created.

Answer 4

both create friction , and the power of friction in the two cases are the same. Because force of friction does not depend on the area

Answer 5

Both. The logic is so long as 2 surfaces in contact, there is always a friction.

However, air is also consider of surface but normally is term as air friction.

In short, no matter what you are doing (Exept if you are in the space), force of friction always applied.

Answer 6

Mr.Learner: It's "Air Restiance" not Air Friction. And BOTH are creating friction. As long as two surfaces are touching there is friction.

Answer 7

yup, what amy said!