What happens to frictional resistance once a load is in motion?

When a load is in motion, frictional resistance generally decreases. This phenomenon occurs due to the difference between static and kinetic friction. Static friction, which is the force that must be overcome to start moving an object, is typically greater than kinetic friction, which is the resistance encountered once the object is in motion.

When an object begins to move, the surfaces in contact have less interlocking on a microscopic level compared to when they are stationary. As a result, kinetic friction allows for easier movement, leading to decreased frictional resistance. Understanding this concept is vital in hydraulics and general mechanics, as it influences the efficiency of systems involving moving loads.

In various applications, such as machinery or transport systems, this reduction in friction when loads are in motion can optimize performance, reduce energy consumption, and improve longevity of the equipment.