Distribution of surface materials and friction

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the relationship between surface material distribution and friction, specifically in the context of sliding a plastic box attached to a wooden box down a track. It questions whether changing the arrangement of these materials would impact friction. Participants generally agree that switching the materials' positions would not significantly affect friction under normal conditions. Some acknowledge theoretical scenarios where it might, but they are deemed impractical. The conversation highlights the challenge of finding relevant terminology and theories related to this topic.
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I'm trying to search for information relating to friction and a surface with different parts made of different materials.

For example, a plastic box is attached to a wooden box and slid down a track. If we were to switch how the plastic and wood was distributed on the surface, e.g. by swapping the boxes around, would this affect the friction?

I'm trying to find some theory that would relate to this but I'm having trouble finding the right terminology for it. Can anyone help?

Thanks in advanced :D
 
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If we were to switch how the plastic and wood was distributed on the surface, e.g. by swapping the boxes around, would this affect the friction?

no. Can you think of ANY possible reason it would?

I can think of some impractical potential situations, but nothing very real.
 

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