As the load on a pulley bearing increases, what happens to its friction coefficient?

As the load on a pulley bearing increases, the friction coefficient tends to increase. This is due to the fact that as more weight is applied to the bearing, the contact surfaces experience greater pressure between them. This increased pressure can lead to a higher degree of interlocking between surface irregularities, which typically results in increased friction.

In practical terms, when the load is higher, the two surfaces tend to adhere more strongly to one another, leading to a scenario where more force is required to overcome that friction. This is particularly relevant in mechanical systems where efficient energy transfer is critical; a higher friction coefficient can lead to greater energy losses due to heat and reduced efficiency in the system.

Hence, the relationship between load and friction in this context indicates that as the load increases, the friction coefficient is likely to rise, leading to the conclusion that the correct answer reflects this relationship.