Question
In which of these situations is friction not useful? changing directi on when running pushing a heavy box along the ground rubbing your hands to gether for warmth walking on an icy street
Answer
4.7
(196 Votes)
Sidney
Veteran · Tutor for 12 years
Answer
The situation where friction is not useful would be 'pushing a heavy box along the ground'. Friction herein creates more work to be done by resisting the box's movement.
Explanation
## Step 1: Understand the question and the concept of frictionThis question requires an investigation of situations where friction is arguably not an indispensable or beneficial factor. To give an accurate response, a perspective has to be formed on a friction's role on each narrated activity and determine if it is problematic or not. ## Step 2: Match the activity with the application of friction Friction inherently resists the movement of surfaces and can be used for force transference, to permit the generation of warmth through opposing forces, or the deceleration of a moving entity, typically useful for mitigating falls or allowing for direction changes.## Step 3: Friction analysis on each scenario1. Changing direction while running: Friction is beneficial here because without it, there would be no grip and changing direction swiftly might lead to falls.2. Pushing a heavy box along the ground: Here, friction forms a cumbersome impediment as it resists the movement of the box. More force has to be applied to overcome this resistance.3. Rubbing hands for warmth: In this case, friction is a positive contributor, as friction between the hands generates heat, leading to warmth.4.White General: The initial statement that the delivery period is 5k walking on an icy street: Usually on an icy or slippery street, friction is significantly low, which offers less resistance to our movement. This often leads to falls as lack of substantial hold on the surface compropses our balance regulations.