The discussion revolves around the conservation of energy in the context of a wheel rolling without slipping on a plane. Participants are exploring the implications of static friction and its role in energy conservation.
The discussion is ongoing, with some participants providing insights into the relationship between static friction and energy conservation. There is acknowledgment of the complexities involved, particularly regarding rolling resistance and its distinction from friction.
Participants are grappling with the definitions and implications of static friction, work done by forces, and the conditions under which energy is conserved or not. The discussion reflects a mix of theoretical understanding and practical considerations in the context of rolling motion.
The force is 'trying' to move the surfaces in relation to each other. Does it succeed?paalfis said:Linear integral of scalar product between force and the direction of motion. But does THIS force does any work? Because after all, it is static, but its point of action is changing with time, that is my confusion.
Correct.paalfis said:Energy won't be conserved if there is any slipping between the surfaces, correct?
There is some truth in that. In the case of a rolling wheel, there are losses associated with the deformation of the road and wheel as the load shifts. But this is referred to as rolling resistance, not friction. It is generally ignored in 'school', in the same way that air drag is ignored in most ballistics questions.paalfis said:I think static force as 'pressure' applied by each body to the other body, somehow using energy to change the molecular state of the other body's structure