For science class, we had to do a lab that involved parachuting eggs off a third floor window of our school. This lab would help us learn the forces of gravity, friction, and air resistence. We were supposed to construct a parachute that would make our egg land safely. After we did the experiment, we had to answer a few questions in response. I only have a problem with two of the questions assigned. It is: Give a specific example when friction would be harmful/not helpful; & Is friction always a "bad" force? Explain.
I know already that the friction is acting upon the air resistence and the parachute, and if in the air long enough, it will reach terminal velocity because the gravity and air resistence become even. I just don't understand when friction becomes a "bad" force, because it slows the egg down, which can be considered a good thing. Could someone please explain this to me?
Friction is a force that opposes motion between two surfaces. It can be either harmful or helpful depending on the context or situation. Let me explain both scenarios to you.
1. Harmful friction: There are situations where friction can be considered harmful because it limits or hinders the desired motion. For example, imagine you are trying to push a heavy object like a car that ran out of fuel. The friction between the car's tires and the road would make it difficult to move the car. In this case, the friction is a hindrance because it requires additional force or effort to overcome it. Similarly, in the context of parachuting eggs, if there is too much friction between the parachute and the air, it can slow down the descent of the egg more than desired, potentially causing it to fall off course or land too softly, which may not meet the objectives of the experiment.
2. Not always a "bad" force: Friction is not always a bad force. In fact, it is essential in many everyday activities and can be very useful. For instance, consider walking or running. The friction between our shoes and the ground provides the necessary grip, allowing us to move efficiently and safely. Without friction, we would likely slip and fall. In the case of parachuting eggs, friction between the parachute and the air is crucial. It creates air resistance, which helps slow down the fall of the egg and allows for a controlled descent. Without friction, the egg would descend too quickly and potentially break upon landing. Friction is necessary to strike a balance between the force of gravity and the opposing force of air resistance, enabling a safe landing for the egg.
So, while friction can sometimes be considered a hindrance or a "bad" force, it is not always the case. Friction plays a vital role in many situations, including the lab experiment you conducted, by enabling control and safety in motion.