Question

Powder sprinkled on the carrom board
A.)magnifies friction
B.)reduce friction
C.)removes friction
D.)does not affect friction

Answer 1

Hint: Friction is the resistance towards the relative motion of two objects. Its direction is opposite to the direction of motion. Applying lubricants reduces friction. Sprinkling powder reduces friction.

Complete step by step answer:
Have you ever wondered why a rolling stone stops after some time? Or ever wondered why the sole of our sandals or shoes wears out gradually? Or sometimes we fall on the floor when some oil or water slips on the ground? The reason for all these kinds of activities is nothing but friction. Friction is responsible for all these kinds of actions.

Friction is a force that always acts on the surface of contact of two bodies. It happens when two surfaces are sliding or trying to side on each other. So in simple words, let us conclude that friction offers resistance to motion. Remember it is not a fundamental force like gravitational force, nuclear force etc. We can find friction everywhere, like in solids, fluids (liquids and gases).

We can feel friction when we push a book on the top of the desk. After a very few seconds, the motion of the book stops. This is due to friction. Uneven surfaces, deformation etc results in friction. When we try to touch a surface, we can feel the roughness or smoothness of that surface. As the degree of roughness increases, friction also increases.

Smooth surfaces have comparatively less friction than rough surfaces. That is why we have chances to slip on a tile floor rather than on a rough road. Friction can be reduced by applying some lubricants on the surfaces. They will cover the unseen holes on the surface and make the surface more smoother.

In the case of the carrom board, the same thing happens. By sprinkling powder, what happens is the powder dust will fill the small unseen gaps and make the board smoother. This will help the surface of the coins and the striker to overcome the friction. Thus it will reduce friction.

Therefore option B is the answer.

Note: Even though friction causes so many damages, it is not entirely a foe. The main thing we should not forget is that friction helps to walk freely. For example, if we try to walk on a greased floor, we are sure that we will fall. It helps to transfer energy from one body to another.