A quick question about friction and applied force

In summary, if the friction force is larger than the applied force, the object will not move and the acceleration will be 0. This is because the net force will be balanced by the force of friction, causing the object to slow down. This situation is described by Newton's First Law, where any time acceleration is zero, the forces are balanced and equal each other. If the applied force is less than the static friction, the object will not move and the acceleration will be 0. However, if the applied force is equal to the friction force, the object can have a constant velocity but no acceleration.
  • #1
pyroknife
613
3
if the friction force is larger than the applied force. the object wouldn't move and the acceleration would be 0 right?
 
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  • #2
If the friction force is larger than the applied force, The net force would move with the force of friction. in essence the Force of friction would become the applied force, the applied force would slow it down (apply friction)

Newtons First Law: if [tex] a = 0; F_{applied} = F_{friction} [/tex] meaning any time acceleration is zero, the forces are balenced and equal each other, if Ff is greater than Fp, e.g. Ff = 60 N, Fp = 50 N

Fnet would be -10N as Fnet = Fp - FF

Fnet = 50N - 60N
Fnet = -10N so it would move and accelerate backwards.
 
  • #3
Senjai said:
If the friction force is larger than the applied force, The net force would move with the force of friction. in essence the Force of friction would become the applied force, the applied force would slow it down (apply friction)

Newtons First Law: if [tex] a = 0; F_{applied} = F_{friction} [/tex] meaning any time acceleration is zero, the forces are balenced and equal each other, if Ff is greater than Fp, e.g. Ff = 60 N, Fp = 50 N

Fnet would be -10N as Fnet = Fp - FF

Fnet = 50N - 60N
Fnet = -10N so it would move and accelerate backwards.
No. If the applied force to an object is less than the static friction, the object does not move. The applied force will be balanced by an equal and opposite static force.
 
  • #4
so that means acceleration=0 and not a negative number right?
 
  • #5
pyroknife said:
so that means acceleration=0 and not a negative number right?
The force is static, hence no motion (i.e. no change in velocity), hence no acceleration.

This assumes an object at rest.


If one can get an object moving, and then the applied force equals the friction force, one can have a constant velocity, but no acceleration.
 

1. What is friction?

Friction is a force that resists the motion of two surfaces that are in contact with each other.

2. What causes friction?

Friction is caused by the irregularities on the surface of objects, which can interlock and create resistance when they come into contact.

3. How does friction affect motion?

Friction can slow down or prevent motion by creating resistance between two surfaces. It can also cause wear and tear on objects in contact.

4. How can friction be reduced?

Friction can be reduced by using lubricants, such as oil or grease, to create a barrier between the two surfaces. Smooth surfaces can also reduce friction.

5. How is applied force related to friction?

Applied force is the force exerted on an object to move it. Friction acts in the opposite direction of the applied force, creating resistance and making it more difficult to move the object.

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