Curious Jr By PW

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 12 Friction

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 12 “Friction” help students clearly understand the concept of friction and its types—static, sliding, rolling, and fluid friction. These solutions explain factors affecting friction, its advantages and disadvantages, and why it is called a “necessary evil.” With step-by-step answers and simple explanations, students can strengthen conceptual clarity, improve problem-solving skills, and confidently prepare for exams using structured practice.
authorImageNivedita Dar21 Feb, 2026
NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 12 Friction

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 12 “Friction” provide clear and easy explanations of all textbook questions. These solutions help students understand types of friction, factors affecting friction, and its advantages and disadvantages. Step-by-step answers improve concept clarity and problem-solving skills. With simple language and proper explanations, students can revise

Have you ever wondered why you slip on a wet floor or why your bicycle tyres eventually wear out? The answer lies in a hidden force called friction. For many Class 8 students, the challenge isn't just defining friction, but understanding why it is called a "necessary evil." The primary problem learners face is distinguishing between the different types of friction and how factors like surface texture or weight change its strength. By practicing friction class 8 questions and answers, you can turn this complex topic into a high-scoring section of your science paper. This article provides a structured breakdown of friction class 8 ncert solutions to ensure you grasp every concept from the ground up.

What is Friction?

Friction is the force that resists the relative motion between two surfaces in contact. It always acts in the direction opposite to the applied force. If you push a book from left to right, the force of friction acts from right to left.

Factors Affecting Friction

According to friction class 8 questions and answers ncert, two main factors determine the strength of friction:

  1. Nature of the Surface: Rough surfaces have more irregularities (tiny bumps and grooves) than smooth surfaces, leading to higher friction.

  2. Force of Pressing: The harder two surfaces are pressed together, the more the irregularities interlock, increasing friction.

Read More - NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Maths Chapter 10 Exponents and Powers

Different Types of Friction 

In your friction class 8 questions and answers, you will often be asked to compare the following three types:

Type of Friction

Description

Strength Level

Static Friction

Acts when an object is at rest.

Highest

Sliding Friction

Acts when one object slides over another.

Medium

Rolling Friction

Acts when an object rolls over a surface.

Lowest

Pro Tip: Rolling friction is always less than sliding friction. This is why it is much easier to pull luggage with wheels than to drag a box of the same weight.

Friction: A Necessary Evil

One of the most common friction class 8 questions and answers extra topics is explaining why friction is both helpful and harmful.

Advantages (Why we need it)

  • It allows us to walk without slipping.

  • It enables us to write on paper or a blackboard.

  • It helps vehicles stop when brakes are applied.

  • It allows nails or screws to stay fixed in a wall.

Disadvantages (Why it is harmful)

  • It causes wear and tear in machine parts and shoe soles.

  • It produces unwanted heat, which can damage engines.

  • It consumes extra energy in moving machinery.

Methods to Increase and Decrease Friction

To score well in friction class 8 ncert solutions, you must know how we control this force in daily life.

  • Increasing Friction: We tread tyres and soles of shoes to provide a better grip. Kabaddi players rub their hands with soil to get a better grip on their opponents.

  • Decreasing Friction: We use lubricants like oil or grease in machines. We sprinkle fine powder on a carrom board to reduce friction so the striker moves smoothly.

What is Fluid Friction (Drag)?

Friction doesn't just happen on land. Air and water also exert a frictional force on objects moving through them. This is known as Drag. To reduce this drag, birds, fishes, and even aeroplanes are given a "streamlined" shape. This special shape helps them cut through the fluid with minimum energy loss.

Read More - NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Maths Chapter 1 Rational Numbers

Friction Class 8 Questions and Answers

Friction is an important topic in Class 8 Science. It is the force that opposes the motion of one object moving over another. In exams, students are often asked to define friction, explain its types, and describe its advantages and disadvantages.

Some common questions include: What is friction? What are the different types of friction? How can friction be increased or reduced? The main types of friction are static friction, sliding friction, and rolling friction. Rolling friction is the least among them, which is why wheels are used in vehicles.

Students may also be asked to explain factors affecting friction. Friction depends on the nature of surfaces and how hard the surfaces are pressed together. Rough surfaces create more friction than smooth surfaces.

Important answers also cover the uses of friction, such as helping us walk without slipping, writing with a pen or pencil, and stopping vehicles with brakes. At the same time, friction can cause wear and tear and produce heat.

Practicing these questions and answers helps students understand the concept clearly and prepare well for tests and exams.

Make after-school learning easy, effective, and enjoyable with CuriousJr.

If you are searching for online tuition that simplifies subjects and keeps your child engaged, CuriousJr School Online Classes are a great option. Through live interactive classes, real-life examples, and fun learning activities, students understand concepts faster and more clearly.

Each child receives individual attention from two dedicated mentors and learns through visual and hands-on methods. The program follows CBSE, ICSE, and State Board curricula and includes regular quizzes, worksheets, and progress reports to track improvement. With proper guidance and support, students build confidence, stay motivated, and develop strong study habits. Book a demo class today!

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 12 FAQs

Why is sliding friction less than static friction?

In friction class 8 questions and answers, this is a top-rated question. Sliding friction is less because once an object starts moving, the irregularities on its surface do not get enough time to lock deeply into the irregularities of the other surface.

What is a lubricant and how does it work?

A lubricant is a substance (like oil, grease, or powder) that reduces friction. It forms a thin layer between the moving surfaces, preventing them from rubbing directly against each other.

Why do aeroplanes have a streamlined shape?

Aeroplanes are streamlined to reduce fluid friction or "drag" caused by air. This shape allows them to move faster while consuming less fuel.

Can we ever reduce friction to zero?

No, friction can never be entirely eliminated because no surface is perfectly smooth. There are always some microscopic irregularities present.
Curious Jr By PW
Curious Jr By PW

We understand that every student has different needs and capabilities, which is why we create such a wonderful and unique curriculum that is the best fit for every student.