What is rolling friction?

Rolling friction is the resistance that occurs when an object rolls over a surface. It is caused by the deformation of the object and the surface it is rolling on, as well as the energy dissipated as heat during the rolling motion. Rolling friction is generally lower than sliding friction, which occurs when an object slides over a surface.

Rolling friction is a force that resists the rolling of a wheel or other object on a surface. It is caused by the deformation of the surface and the wheel, as well as the adhesion between the two surfaces. Rolling friction is typically much smaller than sliding friction, which is the force that resists the sliding of one object on another.

Rolling friction is important in a wide variety of applications, including the design of vehicles, bearings, and other mechanical devices. It can also affect the performance of sports equipment, such as golf balls and bowling balls.

The magnitude of rolling friction is typically proportional to the normal force between the two surfaces and the coefficient of rolling friction. The coefficient of rolling friction is a dimensionless quantity that depends on the materials of the two surfaces and the surface roughness.

Rolling friction can be reduced by using lubricants, such as oil or grease. Lubricants help to reduce the deformation of the surfaces and the adhesion between them. This can lead to a significant reduction in rolling friction.