Friction

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key concepts of friction from the notes.

Friction

The resistive force that arises at the contact between two surfaces, acting parallel to the interface and opposite to the direction of motion or impending motion.

Static friction

Friction that acts when the body is at rest; it adjusts to balance the applied force up to a maximum, preventing motion.

Kinetic (dynamic) friction

Friction that acts when the body is in motion relative to the surface; it opposes the motion and is usually weaker than static friction.

Limiting friction

The maximum value of static friction just before motion begins.

Sliding friction

Friction that occurs when two surfaces slide past one another.

Rolling friction

Friction encountered when an object rolls over a surface.

Contact surfaces

The two surfaces in contact where frictional forces arise.

Point of contact

The specific area where the two surfaces touch and friction develops.

Direction of friction

Friction acts tangential to the contact surface and opposite to the direction of (impending) motion.

Frictional force

The general resistive force produced at the contact surface due to friction.

Static friction balancing applied force

When a stationary object experiences an external force, static friction increases to balance it up to its maximum, preventing motion.

Opposes motion

A fundamental role of friction is to resist or retard relative motion between surfaces.