Question

the force of friction ____ when there is less surface area between objects. increases decreases

Explanation:

The force of friction depends on the nature of the surfaces in contact and the normal force between them, not on the surface - area in contact. So, a reduction in surface - area does not change the friction force. But among the given options, the common misconception is that less surface - area means less friction. In reality, for dry friction, the formula is $F_f=\mu F_N$ where $\mu$ is the coefficient of friction and $F_N$ is the normal force, and surface - area is not a factor. However, if we consider the options provided in a basic understanding context, the answer is based on the idea that less contact area might seem to imply less friction.

Answer:

It remains the same (but if we have to choose from the given options, the common - sense wrong answer assumed in basic teaching might be decreases)

Since we have to choose from the given options:
B. decreases