What is the true cause of friction?

In summary, friction between two flat surfaces is caused by the Van der Waals force between nearby atoms. This force is a result of the repulsive forces present in the atomic structure, which also prevents us from walking through walls. Despite being thin or perfectly flat, there will always be friction due to these forces acting on each surface.
  • #1
ARC123
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I know that most friction is caused from rough uneven surfaces rubbing each other, but what is the cause of friction between 2 flat surfaces?
 
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  • #2
ARC123 said:
I know that most friction is caused from rough uneven surfaces rubbing each other, but what is the cause of friction between 2 flat surfaces?

I know that at least some of friction is due to the Van der Waals force between nearby atoms. That is the force that geckos use to climb walls.
 
  • #3
It's from the atoms repelling each other due to the forces present in their atomic structure. The reason we have friction is the same reason we can't just walk through walls. No matter how thin or perfectly flat a material is, there will be friction due to those repulsive forces acting on each surface.
 

Related to What is the true cause of friction?

1. What is friction?

Friction is a force that resists motion between two surfaces in contact with each other. It is caused by microscopic irregularities on the surfaces that interact and create resistance when one surface slides or rolls over the other.

2. What is the true cause of friction?

The true cause of friction is the interaction between the atoms and molecules on the surfaces in contact. When two surfaces come in contact, they create intermolecular bonds which resist the motion between them, causing friction.

3. Is friction always bad?

No, friction is not always bad. It serves an important purpose in our daily lives, such as allowing us to walk, drive, and grip objects. However, in some cases, friction can also cause wear and tear on surfaces, leading to damage and loss of energy.

4. How can we reduce friction?

There are several ways to reduce friction, such as using lubricants like oil or grease, polishing surfaces to make them smoother, and using ball bearings or rollers to decrease the surface area in contact. Additionally, reducing the force or pressure between two surfaces can also reduce friction.

5. How does friction affect movement?

Friction plays a crucial role in movement as it resists the motion between two surfaces. It can either help or hinder movement depending on the situation. For example, friction between a car's tires and the road helps the car move forward, but friction between a person's feet and the ground can make it difficult to walk on a slippery surface.

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