Static friction vs kinetic friction (Very simple question)

In summary, in order for an object to move on a flat surface, the applied force must exceed the static friction force. However, for an object to move at a constant velocity, the applied force must be equal to the kinetic friction force. If the net force is 0, there will be no acceleration and the applied force will be equal to the frictional force.
  • #1
supernova1203
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This isn't part of a homework question or anything, i was just curious

If an object is at rest, static friction is at work, so for an object to move, on a flat surface, force applied must be greater than the static friction force yes?

But this is not true for kinetic friction, where an object can move at a constant velocity, even though net force is 0, because force applied is the exact same as kinetic friction? Yes?

thanks in advance :)
 
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  • #2
supernova1203 said:
This isn't part of a homework question or anything, i was just curious

If an object is at rest, static friction is at work, so for an object to move, on a flat surface, force applied must be greater than the static friction force yes?
Yes. In order to get the object at rest to move, the applied force must exceed the static friction force.

But this is not true for kinetic friction, where an object can move at a constant velocity, even though net force is 0, because force applied is the exact same as kinetic friction? Yes?

thanks in advance :)
At constant velocity, there is no acceleration, and thus the net force = 0, and that means the applied force = the frictional force. If the net force > 0, there will be an acceleration, and if net force < 0, there will be a deceleration.
 
  • #3
ahhh ty!
 

FAQ: Static friction vs kinetic friction (Very simple question)

What is the difference between static friction and kinetic friction?

Static friction is the force that resists the initial motion between two surfaces that are in contact with each other, while kinetic friction is the force that resists the motion of two surfaces that are already in motion relative to each other.

Which type of friction is stronger: static or kinetic?

Static friction is generally stronger than kinetic friction because it takes more force to overcome the initial resistance of two surfaces in contact with each other.

What is the cause of static friction and kinetic friction?

Static friction is caused by the interlocking of microscopic roughness on the surfaces of two objects, while kinetic friction is caused by the sliding of these rough surfaces against each other.

How do static friction and kinetic friction affect the motion of objects?

Static friction prevents an object from moving until a sufficient force is applied, while kinetic friction slows down the motion of an object that is already in motion.

Can static friction and kinetic friction act at the same time on an object?

Yes, static friction and kinetic friction can act at the same time on an object. For example, when a car accelerates, both static friction and kinetic friction are present between the tires and the road.

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