Which term defines the resistance that occurs when one surface moves over another?

Study for the IGCSE Physics Electricity. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which term defines the resistance that occurs when one surface moves over another?

Explanation:
Friction is the resistive force that acts when two surfaces slide past each other. It comes from the roughness of the surfaces and the microscopic interactions at the contact, and it opposes the direction of motion, often turning some of the motion’s energy into heat. Since the statement refers to the resistance that appears specifically during motion between surfaces, friction is the correct term. Electrostatic charge relates to electric forces between charged objects, not to the resistive force of sliding surfaces. A thermistor is a device whose electrical resistance changes with temperature, and an LDR (light-dependent resistor) changes resistance with light. Neither describes the mechanical resistance to motion between surfaces.

Friction is the resistive force that acts when two surfaces slide past each other. It comes from the roughness of the surfaces and the microscopic interactions at the contact, and it opposes the direction of motion, often turning some of the motion’s energy into heat. Since the statement refers to the resistance that appears specifically during motion between surfaces, friction is the correct term.

Electrostatic charge relates to electric forces between charged objects, not to the resistive force of sliding surfaces. A thermistor is a device whose electrical resistance changes with temperature, and an LDR (light-dependent resistor) changes resistance with light. Neither describes the mechanical resistance to motion between surfaces.

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