Understanding Friction: Analyzing Statements on Everyday Applications

Friction is a force that opposes motion between two surfaces in contact. It can be both beneficial and detrimental, depending on the situation. We often try to increase friction where it is useful and reduce it where it is undesirable.

Friction in Shoe Soles: Treading for Grip

Let's carefully examine the first statement:

• Statement I: Soles of shoes are treaded to reduce friction.

This statement is incorrect. The soles of shoes are designed with patterns, or treads, to actually increase friction. Here's why:

• Increased Grip: The grooves and patterns on shoe soles provide a better grip on the ground. This increased friction prevents slipping, especially on wet or uneven surfaces, allowing us to walk and run safely.
• Surface Area and Interlocking: Treading increases the effective surface area in contact and allows for better interlocking with the surface, which in turn enhances the frictional force. If the soles were smooth, friction would be significantly reduced, making it very difficult to walk without slipping.

Therefore, treading on shoe soles is done to increase friction for better stability and safety.

Friction on Carrom Board: Powder for Smooth Play

Now, let's consider the second statement:

• Statement II: Powder is sprinkled on the carrom board to reduce friction.

This statement is correct. When playing carrom, the objective is for the striker and coins to slide smoothly across the board. Here's how powder helps achieve this:

• Lubrication: Carrom powder, typically made of boric acid or a similar fine, smooth substance, acts as a lubricant. It fills in the tiny irregularities on the surface of the board, making it smoother.
• Reduced Contact: The powder particles create a layer between the moving objects (striker and coins) and the board surface, effectively reducing the direct contact between them. This significantly reduces the frictional force.
• Smooth Movement: With reduced friction, the striker and coins can glide easily and quickly, enhancing the playability of the game.

Hence, sprinkling powder on a carrom board is indeed done to reduce friction for smoother movement.

Conclusion

Based on our analysis:

• Statement I is incorrect because shoe soles are treaded to increase friction.
• Statement II is correct because powder is sprinkled on a carrom board to reduce friction.

Therefore, only Statement II is the correct statement.