Does the little hills and valleys model of friction require friction to work?

  • Level: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter wavelength
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Friction
Join the discussion
Registration is free. Start your own thread to ask a follow-up.
2 replies · 3K views
wavelength
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
what is up with the theroy of little hills and valleys being used to describe friction! in order for this to work you need friction!
There has to be a better theroy! any ideas!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Why do you need friction to explain friction? Just e/m interaction of atoms (=attraction and repulsion between electric charges) would do it.
 
Truth is, friction is not well understood by anybody. A surprising state fo affairs, considering it is one area of physics wherein greater understanding could yield tremendous amounts of practical application.