Can Static Friction Do Work on an Object?

Thread starter PsychonautQQ
Start date Oct 11, 2013
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Friction Static Static friction Work

AI Thread Summary

Static friction can indeed do work on an object under certain conditions, contrary to the textbook's claim. When considering a moving frame of reference, such as a block resting on a cart that is in motion, static friction can facilitate movement without displacement relative to the surface. This means that while the object does not move in relation to the surface it rests on, it can still be influenced by the motion of the cart. The discussion highlights the importance of context in understanding how static friction interacts with objects in motion. Overall, static friction can perform work when the system's dynamics are taken into account.

Oct 11, 2013

PsychonautQQ

Homework Statement

My textbook has a true or false problem that says Static Friction can never do work on an Object and they say that it's false.. How can static friction do work?

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Oct 11, 2013

collinsmark

Science Advisor

Homework Helper

Consider taking measurements in a moving frame of reference.

Or consider a block resting on a cart (with static friction), and the cart moves.

Oct 11, 2013

Legaldose

This post might be helpful:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=203483

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