Can the direction of friction force be opposite to the direction of motion?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between friction force and motion, specifically how to incorporate the friction coefficient into Newton's second law, F=ma. The friction force opposes the motion of an object, represented by the equation F = μ * N, where μ is the coefficient of friction and N is the normal force. It is crucial to note that friction acts on the contact point of an object, which can result in scenarios where the friction force aligns with the direction of motion, such as in the case of rolling wheels.

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I was wondering how to modify F=ma and put in either static or kinetic friction coefficient. I assume it's something like F-(friction coef) but I'm just not sure, any ideas or websites someone can direct me to? thanks
 
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jrk613 said:
I was wondering how to modify F=ma and put in either static or kinetic friction coefficient. I assume it's something like F-(friction coef) but I'm just not sure, any ideas or websites someone can direct me to? thanks

When you draw the free body diagram, you put in a friction force vector as one of the force vectors acting on the object. The direction of the friction force vector is to oppose motion of the object (whether static or kinetic friction), and the magnitude is generally F = mu * N, where mu is the coefficient of friction, and N is the normal force between the object and whatever it is rubbing on. N is often just the weight of the object, for example.
 
berkeman said:
The direction of the friction force vector is to oppose motion of the object (whether static or kinetic friction)
Not the object as a whole. Only the motion of the contact point. For the FBD of a rolling wheel or an entire car for example, friction can turn out to be in the direction of motion.
 

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