JAMB Physics 2000 Question 3

Question 3

Friction

I. The frictional force is independent of the area of the surfaces in contact.
II. The frictional force depends on the nature of the surfaces in contact.
III. The frictional force depends on the speed of sliding.
IV. The frictional force is directly proportional to the normal reaction.
Which combination of the above is true of sliding friction?

  1. A.I, II and IV
  2. B.I, II and III
  3. C.I, III and IV
  4. D.II, III and IV
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (I, II and IV)

Explanation

The laws of sliding friction: it does not depend on contact area or (roughly) on speed, it depends on the surfaces, and it is proportional to the normal reaction. So I, II and IV.