Mechanics of particles and systems Foundations of particle mechanics Concept
Friction
Builds on Classical mechanics
Summary
Friction is the force that resists the sliding of two surfaces in contact. In classical mechanics it is usually modelled by Coulomb's law. Static friction can hold a body at rest, up to a limit proportional to the normal force. Kinetic friction opposes sliding, with a size proportional to the normal force. Friction is not conservative: it turns mechanical energy into heat. Its set-valued, non-smooth form leads to differential inclusions and to paradoxes in rigid-body dynamics.
Reading path
To understand this page from the ground up, read these 4 pages in order. The foundations come first.
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- no evidence level
- Euclidean space object
- Ordinary differential equation concept
- Classical mechanics concept
- Friction concept
Where this leads
4 pages build on this one.
Further reading
About this page
| Tag | 4XE2B2PBGC |
|---|---|
| URI | m2://4XE2B2PBGC |
| Kind | concept |
| Writing | W0 stub |
| MSC | 70F40, 70A05 |
| Uses | Classical mechanics |
| Same as | |
| Changed | 3 November 2026 |
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