Friction is the resistance to motion between two surfaces in contact. Methods of reducing friction typically involve reducing the surface roughness, introducing lubrication, or using rolling motion instead of sliding.
- Using ball bearings reduces friction by converting sliding motion to rolling motion, which is a very effective way to reduce friction.
- Applying grease is a method of reducing friction by lubricating the contact surfaces, which reduces the friction between them.
- Applying paint does not necessarily reduce friction in most cases. In fact, depending on the type of paint, it might increase the friction or have no effect at all.
- Forming a thin air cushion is another effective method of reducing friction, commonly seen in systems like air hockey tables, where a thin layer of air reduces contact between surfaces.
Thus, the correct answer is option (3), applying paint, as it is not a method for reducing friction.