NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 9 Friction - Free PDF Download
FAQs on NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 9 Friction
1. How do the NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 9 define friction?
As per the NCERT Solutions for the 2025-26 session, friction is defined as a force that opposes the relative motion between two surfaces in contact. It always acts in the direction opposite to the direction of the intended or actual movement.
2. What are the main types of friction explained in the Class 8 Science Chapter 9 solutions?
The NCERT Solutions for Chapter 9 categorise friction into three main types, which must be understood in the correct order of magnitude:
- Static Friction: The force that must be overcome to start moving an object from a state of rest. It is the strongest type.
- Sliding Friction: The force that opposes motion when one surface slides over another. It is less than static friction.
- Rolling Friction: The force that opposes motion when an object rolls over a surface. It is the weakest of the three.
3. What is the step-by-step method to solve the NCERT question about arranging surfaces in increasing order of friction?
To solve this problem as per the CBSE guidelines, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Understand the core principle that friction increases with the roughness of the surface.
- Step 2: Analyse the given surfaces (e.g., wet marble floor, dry marble floor, newspaper, towel).
- Step 3: Rank the surfaces from smoothest to roughest. A wet surface provides lubrication, making it smoothest. A towel has a very rough texture.
- Step 4: State the final order. The correct sequence for increasing friction is: wet marble floor < dry marble floor < newspaper < towel.
4. Why do the NCERT solutions state that sliding friction is less than static friction?
The solutions explain that static friction is greater because when an object is at rest, the microscopic irregularities on the two surfaces have sufficient time to deeply interlock with each other. To start motion, a significant force is needed to break this lock. Once the object is sliding, the contact points move past each other so quickly that they don't get enough time to form strong interlocks, resulting in a smaller opposing force (sliding friction).
5. How do the solutions for Chapter 9 explain why athletes wear shoes with spikes?
The NCERT solutions explain that athletes wear shoes with spikes to increase friction. The spikes press into the ground, creating a much stronger grip and better interlocking between the shoe and the surface. This increased friction prevents slipping and allows the athlete to push off the ground with greater force, which is essential for running and other sports activities.
6. According to the NCERT solutions, why is it more difficult to push a heavier box than a lighter one?
The solutions clarify that a heavier box exerts a greater force on the floor. This increased force presses the two surfaces together more firmly. As a result, the interlocking of surface irregularities becomes much stronger. To overcome this enhanced interlocking, a larger force must be applied. Therefore, the force of static friction is greater for the heavier box.
7. How are problems related to 'fluid friction' solved in Class 8 Science Chapter 9?
Problems on fluid friction in the NCERT solutions are solved by understanding that fluids (liquids and gases) exert a frictional force called drag. The solution to reducing drag is to use a streamlined shape. This special shape, seen in fish, birds, and aeroplanes, allows the fluid to flow smoothly around the object, minimising resistance and making movement through the fluid easier.
8. Why is friction called a 'necessary evil' in the Class 8 NCERT solutions?
Friction is termed a 'necessary evil' because it has both beneficial and harmful effects. It is necessary for essential activities like walking, writing, and applying brakes. However, it is also an evil because it opposes motion, causes wear and tear of machinery parts, and wastes energy by converting it into unwanted heat, thus reducing efficiency.
9. What is the correct method described in the solutions for reducing friction?
The NCERT solutions for Chapter 9 outline several effective methods to reduce friction:
- Lubrication: Applying substances like oil or grease forms a thin layer between surfaces, preventing direct contact and reducing interlocking.
- Polishing: Making surfaces smoother reduces the number and depth of irregularities.
- Using Ball Bearings: These devices convert less efficient sliding friction into more efficient rolling friction, which is significantly lower.
10. How do the NCERT solutions explain the effect of friction on the efficiency of machines?
The solutions explain that friction negatively impacts machine efficiency in two primary ways. Firstly, it opposes the motion of moving parts, meaning that some of the input energy is wasted in overcoming this frictional force instead of doing useful work. Secondly, this wasted energy is often converted into heat, which can damage machine components and represents a significant energy loss.

















