1.16 Friction
Friction is a contact force that opposes motion, acting opposite to velocity and reducing speed when unbalanced on surfaces in contact.
- Syllabus
- 2024
- Objective
- 1.16
- Level
- —
Exam analysis
Chance of appearing6%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceMay 2025
Most common paperPaper1P
Typical marks1–2
Common command terms
- State
- Draw
- Explain
Scoring notes
- Common mistake
- Drawing friction in the direction of motion instead of opposite to motion.
Recent exam appearances
May 2025Paper1P [] · TZ01(b)(ii)[ 2 ]1.16 Friction
May 2025Paper1P [] · TZ01(b)(i)[ 1 ]1.16 Friction
June 2019Paper1PR [null] · TZ010(a)(i)[ 1 ]1.16 Friction
Practice this objective
Coverage 2019–2025 · Updated 16 Jul 2026
1.16 Friction
Know that friction is a force that opposes motion
Concept essentials
- Friction is a force that opposes motion.
- Drag and air resistance are resistive forces related to motion through air.
- A friction arrow should point opposite to the object's velocity.
- An unbalanced friction force can reduce speed and cause deceleration.