2006-12-01 14:52:18 · 3 answers · asked by spiderbate69 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
friction is also known as 'resistance to motion, which is exactly what it is. It is the force (friction is not actually a 'force' like gravity but is often described as one) keeping you from slipping and falling over. The friction between objects is governed by the 'coefficient of friction'. This coefficient ranges from 0 to 1 and is denoted by this greek letter: µ (pronounced 'mew')
Example:
Say a car with Weight 'M' is travelling along a road at a constant speed 'V'. The Friction between the car tyres and the road depends on the coefficient of friction 'µ'.
The car exerts a force of M (downwards) on the ground which (according to newton) produces a reaction force, of the same magnitude, from the floor in the opposite direction (upwards) we will call this reaction force R (so R=M they just act in opposite directions). to find the friction (or resistance to motion) between the car tyres and the road, multiply R by µ.
so:
F = R x µ
(Where F=resistance to motion, R=reaction force, µ=coefficient of friction)
Friction is the 'force' responsible for moving objects to lose kinetic energy, most of this energy is dissipated as thermal energy, some also may be exchanged to sound, but mainly thermal.
2006-12-01 15:44:14 · answer #1 · answered by william k 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Friction is the force that acts against the movement of objects. It can be from something sliding on the ground, moving through water or air, or a tire rolling. There are two types - static and kinetic friction, and they aren't the same.
Static friction is the force that you act against when you first start something moving - ie. the object is static.
Kinetic friction is the force that acts against the direction of motion when something is already moving.
2006-12-01 15:17:03 · answer #2 · answered by gregj_uva 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
one can generate friction by rubbing one object against another
2006-12-01 15:02:32 · answer #3 · answered by luckily77777 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋