Is Static Friction Always Present as a Force?

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Static friction is not always present as a force; it only arises in response to an applied force, acting in opposition to it. The potential for static friction exists due to the contact surfaces and the normal force, but it only manifests when there is a lateral force attempting to cause motion. If no external force is applied, static friction does not exert a force that would cause acceleration. The static friction force can cancel out lateral forces up to a certain maximum limit. Understanding this distinction is crucial for analyzing motion and forces in physics.
mmegdill
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I'm a bit confused about the presence of a static friction FORCE.

So here's the question:

The potential for static friction is always present due to the nature of the contact surfaces and the normal force. But is a static friction FORCE always present or does it arise in response to (specifically in opposition to) the application of some force, somewhat like normal force?

The reason I'm wondering is that it seems to me that if static friction is constantly present as a force it would cause some acceleration in some direction. Which direction would it be?

Thanks for the help!
 
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"But is a static friction FORCE always present"
no
"or does it arise in response to (specifically in opposition to) the application of some force"
Yes, a lateral force. I.e. it cancels out lateral force, up to some maximum.
 

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